ACE update

   On Jan. 4, CBP implemented new features of its Automated Commercial Environment, marking the second successful deployment of new features in less than six months. 
   The new deployment improves Cargo Release by:

• Expanding the pilot program to include foundational capabilities for ocean and rail manifest shipments.
• Allowing processing of in-bond transactions with partial quantities.
• Implementing a single accept/reject message so filers receive only one message that includes actions from CBP as well as other government agencies with border jurisdiction.
• Incorporation of the Mail Entry Writing System to facilitate collection of duties, taxes and fees on imported items delivered by the Postal Service and close a significant gap in revenue collected for these items.

   The new deployment also incorporates the Vessel Manifest System in ACE, making it easier for officers to track and monitor vessels entering U.S. ports, and ACE Entry Summary validations for simple duty calculations.
   As part of the effort to make ACE the common portal for cross-border data transmission between industry and the entire federal government, the deployment also enhances how the message-set data for other agencies is submitted to reduce data duplication for the filer and makes internal enhancements to speed the reporting of findings for CBP agriculture specialists.
   CBP says it is now looking ahead to the April launch of ACE Deployment C, which will integrate truck manifest into Cargo Release and incorporate export commodity processing into ACE. The April deployment will allow CBP to decommission the Automated Export System and lay the foundation for future enhancements for all modes of transportation.