Fish and Wildlife Service begins ACE data test

In preparation for mandatory filing of import data through Customs and Border Protection’s new Automated Commercial Environment system, the FWS is running a short pilot program to make sure users can successfully transmit data.    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) are seeking importers and customs brokers to participate in a pilot program to electronically transmit import data and documents for commodities regulated by FWS, as part of the Single-Window initiative.
   On Thursday, the agencies published a Federal Register notice announcing the start of testing for transmission of the FSW data set and document scans through CBP’s new Automated Commercial Environment and its document imaging system. ACE is the new electronic system, now undergoing final development, for processing import and export data. It replaces an older system that along with changes in Customs practices is expected to streamline trade compliance and reduce costs, while providing CBP with better information for commercial enforcement and security.
   ACE is also the backbone for the International Trade Data System (ITDS), which is designed to transmit data generic entry data to Customs and relevant agencies, as well as specific forms required by agencies for clearance or statistical purposes. There are 47 agencies with some type of jurisdiction over trade data or actual shipments, including 14 with “release and hold” authority that takes precedence over a Customs clearance. This Single Window will enable companies to file required information once and receive clearance decisions more quickly, compared to having to file similar data multiple times to different agencies. 
  The Food and Drug Administration recently completed an ACE pilot during which participating customs brokers were guided through the filing and process and personnel made sure the data they filed was accurate and complete, and their IT connections to ACE were configured properly. Other agencies are also expected to soon set up demonstration programs and then announce dates for mandatory filing in ACE.
   President Obama has set an end-of-year deadline for all agencies to be operating in ITDS.