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CBP's Spring 2005 "ACE Modernization Monitor" Discusses Periodic Monthly Statement Pilot Test, Future ACE Features, Etc

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted to its Web site the Spring 2005 issue of its "ACE Modernization Monitor" newsletter, highlights of which are noted below (see future issue for additional highlights):

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Future ACE Features

CBP has provided a table of "Future ACE Features" that describes its future features, ACE accounts impacted, CBP personnel involved, and benefits. The table's ACE future features and benefits are listed below:

Account Revenue and Secure Trade Data (ACE Release 5 - starting summer 2006)

Automated entry processing through liquidation, which will include items such as procedures for antidumping/countervailing duties, quota/visa documentation, reconciliation of accounts/payments, and supporting selectivity. Financial processing will be enhanced. In addition, initial automated manifest capabilities will be provided for all modes of transportation.

Benefits include the availability of additional payment types, including credit card and internet payments. A Multi-Modal Manifest feature is introduced. The entry summary process is streamlined and ACE becomes the system of record for entry summaries.

e-Manifest All Modes and Cargo Security (ACE Release 6 - starting fall 2006)

The following will be automated: entry documents, full electronic manifests, cargo tracking, all types of e-Release, and In-Bond documentation for goods transiting through the United States to a foreign destination.

Regarding benefits, CBP states that electronic manifest will enable visibility of shipments transferring between transportation modes. Cargo tracking will enable visibility of the shipment lifecycle.

Exports and Cargo Control (ACE Release 7 - starting winter 2009)

ACE will be expanded throughout the full trade process to cover Foreign Trade Zone/warehouse processing, exports, protest processing, drawback processing, and document management.

Benefits include a fully automated, electronic end-to-end cargo process and an integrated drawback/export process. ACE becomes the system of record.

Pilot Test of Periodic Monthly Statement

CBP notes that approximately 350 CBP personnel and trade community representatives (34 importers and 17 brokers) participated in the three-month pilot test of the periodic monthly statement and other new ACE features, including ledger integration, notifications, and alerts.

IIF ACE Security Prototype

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CBP continue to test prototypes of new border security technologies for possible incorporation into ACE.

CBP notes that a prototype of the new Intelligent Information Factory (IIF) analytical software tool scored high marks among pilot users at the National Targeting Center (NTC). As a result of the success of the pilot, the IIF will be extended as a working prototype until it is fully implemented as a part of ACE screening and targeting features in 2005.

New ITDS Chairman of the Board

Effective January 27, 2005, Tim Skud of the U.S. Treasury Department became the chairman of the International Trade Data System (ITDS) Board of Directors, following former ITDS Board Chairman Gene Rosengarden's retirement in January 2005.

CBP's Spring 2005 "ACE Modernization Monitor" (Volume 5) available at

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/about/modernization/mod_monitor_volume5.ctt/mod_monitor_volume5.pdf.