CBP Delays Mandatory ACE Migration Till February 2016

he NCBFAA applauds CBP's decision to move the mandatory date of ACE migration to February 28, 2016. However, for those members not yet processing in ACE, we strongly urge them to start their ACE migration as soon as possible while we continue to have parallel processing in ACE/ACS, which allows new users to train on ACE, and, if necessary, revert to ACS for critical shipments.

The NCBFAA will continue to work with CBP in training efforts in the field and by providing feedback to CBP headquarters on any potential gaps. Conversely, we will look for feedback from CBP on any areas where the industry needs further training and plan accordingly to meet the needs of our members.

CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske has informed us that CBP needs additional participation by our members in its ACE pilot programs, which are critical for the success of the transition from ACS to ACE.

The NCBFAA will work with CBP and the various Partner Government Agencies to ensure the additional time allotted for mandatory ACE processing yields positive results for February 2016.

Please email your questions to ace@ncbfaa.org.

Official CBP Announcement of New ACE Migration Schedule

Working in close coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, the Border Interagency Executive Council, and the White House, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been actively tracking and assessing stakeholder readiness for the mandatory filing of all electronic entry and entry summaries in ACE. While significant capabilities have been deployed to date, concerns about stakeholder readiness have necessitated a reassessment of our current timelines. We appreciate the input from the trade community and have adjusted the mandatory transition to ACE for electronic entry and entry summary filing as follows:

Nov 1, 2015: Beginning of a transition period for electronic entry and entry summary filings in ACE to allow industry and participating government agencies more time to test and provide feedback as they fully transition into the new system. Use of ACE is allowed and encouraged for electronic entry and corresponding entry summary filings for entry types 01, 03, 11, 51, and 52 with or without PGA data.

Feb 28, 2016: At this time, filers will only be permitted to file in ACE, and no longer permitted to file in ACS, all electronic entries and entry summaries. In addition, electronic FDA, NHTSA, and APHIS (Lacey) data must be filed in ACE and ACS will no longer be available.

July 2016: Upon publication of the Final Rule, ACE must be used for filing AMS, APHIS Core, ATF, CDC, DCMA, DDTC, DEA E&C, EPA, FSIS, FWS*, NMFS and TTB data. Hybrid submissions will no longer be allowed.* This requirement for FWS is contingent on FWS having its regulatory revisions in place by the July 2016 publication of the CBP Final Rule eliminating hybrid filings.

We would like to reiterate that the transition period initiated on November 1, 2015 does not impact our December 2016 deadline for full implementation of the Single Window via ACE. We appreciate all efforts from the trade community, Partner Government Agencies and CBP to prepare for this transition and encourage all to continue working toward the full transition to ACE.