CBP LA/Long Beach Developing Standard for ACE Cargo Release Paper Documents

The Los Angeles-area seaports and airport "are working to standardize the receiving and processing of physical paper documents for ACE Cargo Release Entries," said Anne Maricich, executive director of the L.A. Field Office in a March 17 public bulletin. Despite the ongoing move to ACE, "there will be instances in which CBP will require paper documents pursuant to partner government agency (PGA) requirements," said Maricich. "For the small number of situations in which PGA regulations preclude the electronic submission of certain certificates and permits through [the Document Image System], original paperwork is still required." When paper documents for ACE cargo release entries is required, filers must include a cover sheet to CBP that includes the ACE entry, entry number, bill of lading number, broker name with contact information and broker box number, said CBP. Each local port has "established designated reception drop-boxes that are specifically labeled 'ACE' for delivery purposes," CBP said. "Failure to submit paper documents via the designated ACE drop box may delay cargo release."