ACE Portal ISF Reports Have Fresh Data, Allow Cross Access, Sorting
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued an information notice on the Importer Security Filing (ISF) Portal that includes information on the recently announced ISF Reports available on the ISF Portal via the ACE Portal. The notice states that this new feature is available for Trade Account Owners with Importer, Broker, Carrier (VOCs, NVOCCs), or Surety views. Importers can download in PDF or Excel, depending on the type of report they received by email, while others are able to download their reports in PDF and Excel formats. The notice also states that Cross Account Access can be provided.
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CBP announced on July 13, 2011 that these new capabilities include (i) importer access through ACE to the ISF progress reports that have to date only been available via email subscription and (ii) making ISF progress reports, previously available only to importers, now also available via ACE to ISF filers and sureties. In addition, importers who file 12 or fewer ISF transactions per year will now be able to file and track their ISF transactions directly via the ACE portal, without the need to file via the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). (See ITT's Online Archives or 07/28/11 news, 11072804, for BP summary of CSMS message that links to this CBP information notice on the ISF Portal.)
TAO Can Grant Cross Account Access
CBP's notice explains that access to the ISF Portal will be controlled by the Trade Account Owner (TAO), who will have the ability to grant Cross Account Access to the ISF Portal1 (see notice for instructions on granting access to the ISF Portal to an existing account user, as well as revoking access).
ISF Reports Like Other ACE Reports
According to CBP sources, ISF Portal Reports are like other ACE Reports. Those with access to the ISF Portal can go in and run reports to obtain new data at any time. Once an Excel file is downloaded, individuals will be able to pull, sort, and manipulate data elements based on their own needs.
New ISF Query Planned for Later in 2011
On July 13, CBP also stated that ACE will deliver additional ISF capabilities later in 2011, including the capability for a user to query the status of their ISF by transaction and bill of lading number.
1The notice describes this as the ATS ISF Portal (ATS may refer to Automated Targeting System.)
(See ITT's Online Archives or 04/01/11 news, 11040128, for BP summary of CBP's March 2011 ACE Trade Account Owner Update on the ACE Portal, which stated that in spring 2011, C-TPAT members would have access to ISF Progress Reports; importers, brokers and others would be able to query ISF status; and small importers would be able to file up to 12 ISFs annually.)