Deployment of ACE entry summary underway

Deployment of ACE entry summary underway    A pilot program for the Automated Commercial Environment's entry summary process was successfully started on April 12 at the Buffalo, N.Y., port of entry, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
   The new system will allow importers to file and process all but the most complex entry summaries for goods entering U.S. commerce.
   The entry summary follows importer accounts, periodic monthly payments and electronic truck manifests as active components of CBP's new computer system for managing trade and security.
   CBP is scheduled to transition seal and rail manifest processing from the legacy system to ACE this summer.
   ACE automates the most commonly used CBP forms and processing entry types 01 (Consumption) and 11 (Informal). The new ACE entry summary processing capabilities allow ACE Secure Data Portal importer account holders the option to receive and respond to CBP forms electronically through the ACE portal. Electronic responses are stored with associated entry summaries, enabling them to be shared within CBP nationwide. Modernizing the entry summary process enhances uniformity and facilitates compliance for those filing for entry.
      Chicago, Laredo, Texas and the Port of Long Beach, Calif., are next in line to deploy the new application by early May. Additional ports will be brought on line in stages. CBP is using a staggered deployment approach to allow it and the trade community to test the system and correct defects before full national implementation.
   Entry summary processing for remaining entry types will be added during the next few years, CBP said.