CBP CSMS Messages and Web Postings

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted a post entry amendments (PEAs) frequently asked questions document to its Web site. CBP has also posted a sample post summary adjustment form (used for PEAs) that has been revised to, among other things, remove references to Supplemental Information Letters (SILs) which were discontinued as of September 20, 2007.

(See ITT's Online Archives or 08/22/07 news, 07082205, for BP summary of modification of PEAs and the end of SILs.)

(PEA FAQ, dated 02/05/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/cargo_summary/general_pea/pea_faqs.xml; Sample PEA form, posted 02/13/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/import/cargo_summary/general_pea/post_summary_form.ctt/post_entry_amendment_form.pdf)

2. CBP Plans to Automate Deletion of Unused Truck Manifests from Portal

CBP has issued a Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) message stating that in response to requests by the trade, it has prepared a programming change that will automatically delete unused manifests that are older than 30 days from the ACE Portal. Shipments that are not attached to a manifest after 45 days will also automatically be deleted.

CBP states these changes will apply to all manifests and shipments, whether created through the ACE Portal, ABI, or through EDI, and expects this change to be implemented later in 2008.

CBP adds that once this change is made, the trade will still be able to delete any unused manifest or shipment by searching for, and then deleting, the trip or shipment in the Manifest tab section of the portal. There will continue to be no time restrictions for these self-initiated trade actions.

(CSMS 08-000016, dated 02/19/08, available at http://apps.cbp.gov/csms/viewmssg.asp?Recid=16985&page=1&srch_argv=&srchtype=&btype=truck&sortby=&sby)

3. Instructions for Unexpected Plate Numbers Due to ACE Change for Truck Conveyance Data

CBP has issued a CSMS message which states that on February 2, 2008, a change was deployed in the ACE Truck Manifest system to redesign and reorganize the way ACE stores conveyance records. ACE now has correct license plate information, correct cab information, accurate user fee data and accurate transponder assignments all tied to the Vehicle Identification Number. Because all information is now tied to the VIN, there may be unexpected plate numbers if the truck carrier's information does not match what is in the FAST system.

When the trade creates a manifest, ACE automatically pulls the state/plate number from the conveyance record. If the state/plate number entered by the trade in ACE does not match the record for the VIN in FAST, the plate on the truck will not match the plate on the manifest. ACE will not be able to find the trip using the new plate.

(CBP notes that trade users must update conveyance information on-line using the Mellon Bank Trade-Links system (https://tradelinks4.mellon.com/cbp/Dispatcher) or by calling the Mellon Bank User Fee Help Desk at (317) 298-1245. Once the conveyance information is updated with Mellon Bank it is transmitted to FAST and then to ACE.

If the conveyance information is not updated in ACE 24 hours after Mellon Bank was contacted, a trouble ticket should be requested by e-mailing the ACE Helpdesk (ACEHELPDESK@cbp.dhs.gov) with the new plate, old plate, and VIN.)

(See ITT's Online Archives or 01/31/08 news, 08013105, for BP summary stating that the effective date of the conveyance harmonization was February 2, 2008.)

(CSMS 08-000015, dated 02/14/08, available athttp://apps.cbp.gov/csms/viewmssg.asp?Recid=16984&page=1&srch_argv=&srchtype=&btype=truck&sortby=&sby)

4. Various Postings to CBP's Web Site

The following were posted to CBP's Web site:

Entry, summary, and drawback points of contact. CBP posted a notice listing the entry, summary, and drawback points of contact. (Notice, dated 02/13/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/cargo_summary/trade_contacts/entry_summary_drawback.xml)

Agriculture fact sheet. CBP has posted a fact sheet providing information on agriculture which covers topics such as the importation of agriculture, CBP agricultural specialists, agro-terrorism, etc. (Fact sheet, dated 02/14/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/fact_sheets/agriculture.xml)

CBP Philadelphia worked to ensure cocoa beans for Valentine's Day chocolates were pest-free. CBP has posted a news release announcing that CBP Philadelphia, which processes more cocoa beans than any port of entry in the U.S., worked to ensure that cocoa beans being imported were pest-free for Valentine's Day chocolates. In 2007, CBP Philadelphia cleared more than 255 million kilos or 71% of the total imported cocoa beans in the U.S. (News release, dated 02/12/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/02122008_2.xml)

Information on MQ-9 Predator B UAS. CBP has posted information on the MQ-9 Predator B Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), which augments CBP Air and Marine assets by supporting ground interdiction agents on the southwest border. In spring 2008, UAS operations will begin on the northern border. (Information, dated 02/11/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/air_marine/air/aviation_asset/predator_b.xml)

Marine, aviation asset slicks. CBP has posted information on marine asset slicks and aviation asset slicks. (Information, posted 02/11/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/air_marine/)