CPB Newsletter

On November 25, 2008, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published an interim final rule entitled “Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements” in the Federal Register (73 FR 71730). The interim final rule requires both importers and carriers to submit additional information pertaining to cargo to CBP before the cargo is brought into the United States by vessel. CBP has received numerous questions concerning the interim final rule. To assist the trade community in understanding the expectations of CBP concerning the Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements rule, CBP in this document has provided responses to the most frequently asked questions. CBP will continually be updating and clarifying this document as necessary. Should you have additional questions that are not included in this document, please feel free to write to Security_Filing_General@cbp.dhs.gov. Please note that the responses to the FAQs are for informational purposes only and are non-binding. Questions relating to specific facts and circumstances of a prospective transaction can be the subject of a ruling request under Part 177 of the CBP regulations.

Please visit http://www.cbp.gov for the latest information on the Importer Security Filing “10+2” program. Most of the information on “10+2” can be found at the following link: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/carriers/security_filing/.

Washington - For the first time ever, nearly every trade entity conducting business with Customs and Border Protection can establish an Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Secure Data Portal account due to newly expanded ACE account types. ACE is the commercial trade processing system being developed by CBP to enhance border security and expedite trade.

This expansion is made possible by the deployment of Master Data and Enhanced Accounts, known as A1, the first set of ACE entry summary, accounts, and revenue (ESAR) capabilities. A1 will lay the foundation for future entry summary, accounts, and revenue features and redefine and increasingly automate the way CBP does business. A1 capabilities include:

Expanded account types to include broker, carrier, cartman, driver/crew, facility operator, filer, foreign trade zone operator, importer, lighterman, service provider and surety Centralized management of continuous bonds in ACE Ability to store and view blanket licenses, permits, and certificates from an initial group of eight participating government agencies Enhanced account management features, such as, cross-account access and merge account process

“Virtually every entity doing business with CBP can now access ACE,” said Lou Samenfink, executive director for the CBP Cargo Systems Program Office. “Expanding ACE Secure Data Portal access to more types of commercial entities will help increase automation and efficiency through an account-based approach to conducting business with CBP.”  For more information on ESAR A1 release, visit the CBP Web site.

To participate in ACE and set up an account, please e-mail CBP.CSPO@dhs.gov, visit the CBP modernization Web site, or call the ACE Help Desk at 1-800-921-8729 (select option 4, then option 2, then 1).

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of the nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Contacts For This News Release

Erlinda Byrd
no address available at this time
Phone: (202) 344-1593
Fax: (202) 344-1393

CBP Headquarters
Office of Public Affairs
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Room 3.4A
Washington, DC 20229
Phone: (202) 344-1770 or
(800) 826-1471
Fax: (202) 344-1393