CBP has issued a CSMS message stating that it will be making a security update to the ACE Secure Data Portal by discontinuing the use of the SSL protocol while maintaining the use of the TLS protocol. CBP advises the trade to make the necessary changes no later than April 28th to avoid interruption of service. If the trade has any problem connecting to ACE on April 29th, CBP asks that they double-check the browser settings to make sure they conform to the instructions provided.
During recent trade events1, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials discussed actions that the agency has taken to develop interfaces/interoperability with Participating Government Agencies (PGAs). A plan for how the agency will communicate with the PGAs is expected to be finalized by CBP in April 2011.
During recent trade events1, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials provided an update on the status of Participating Government Agency (PGA) message set (aka the standard data set) -- a single, harmonized set of information that will be collected electronically from the trade by CBP on behalf of PGAs. The PGA message set will allow CBP and PGAs to make decisions about what cargo can come into the U.S. without the myriad paper forms currently required.
CBP has posted an updated list of companies/persons who have developed software applications for ACE electronic truck manifest. All companies/persons who are listed have been through the CBP testing process. CBP notes that inclusion in this list does not constitute any form of an endorsement by CBP as to the nature, extent or quality of the software applications that may be provided.
CBP has posted information on the Long Beach Regulatory Audit Field Office, which consists of four branches with staffing resources located in Long Beach, CA and San Diego CA. The Long Beach Field Office provides specialization in the areas of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs). In addition, the Long Beach Field Office maintains subject matter expertise in the Regulatory Audit ACE modernization.
CBP has posted information on the Chicago Regulatory Audit Field Office, which consists of five branches with staffing resources located in Chicago, IL; Minneapolis, MN; and Denver, CO. The Chicago Field Office provides specialization in the areas of trade fraud and user fees. In addition, the Chicago Field Office maintains subject matter expertise in the Regulatory Audit ACE modernization.
On April 12, 2011, the Census Bureau released a report profiling U.S. importing and exporting companies from 2008 to 2009. This is Census' first report to include information regarding U.S. importers and also provides information on identified companies1 and the known value2 of their export or import transactions.
The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General has issued a report containing an independent audit conducted by KPMG LLP that addresses the strengths and weaknesses of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's fiscal year 2010 internal controls over financial reporting. Among other things, the audit finds a number of weaknesses in CBP’s Trade Compliance Measurement.
On April 13, 2011 at the annual U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trade Symposium, a CBP official discussed actions that agency has taken to implement its Trade Strategy for 2009-2013, and announced that the agency has created an email address to receive comments and suggestions on this Trade Strategy.
On April 14, 2011 at the annual U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trade Symposium, CBP officials provided an update on the status of ACE, including the scheduled beginning of the M1 (e-Manifest: Ocean and Rail) pilot in May and its nationwide rollout.