CBP Tackles Modernization of Manifest Handling in ACE
CBP has begun a three-phase process to modernize how the agency handles manifests in ACE, according to September's ACE Development and Deployment Schedule.
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The schedule also lists a total of 11 new functionalities and provides updated deployment dates for six functionalities.
The first phase of the three-phase process to modernize manifest handling will be deployed in March 2026. Its objective is to modernize ACE in-bond processing, including the “QP” and “WP” message transactions. The second phase, to be deployed in June 2026, is to modernize the ACE air manifest user interface and rail manifest EDI services. The third phase, to be deployed in October 2026, is to modernize CBP’s ocean manifest EDI services, ocean and rail manifest UIs, and in-bond external interfaces and APIs.
CBP began working on these three phases in August, according to the schedule.
CBP also said it is working on phase 2 of an enhancement that would integrate detention record data in ACE with other CBP applications for streamlined detention process management. The target deployment date for this functionality is February 2026.
Meanwhile, in June 2026, CBP expects to deploy a functionality that would enhance user data security in the ACE Portal, restricting certain data access to authorized CBP personnel.
Other slated functionalities include:
- GBI Character Limit Expansion: Expanding the GBI Evaluative Proof of Concept enrollment process by enabling trade users to submit one, two or all three of the global identifiers for any party type that the trade identifies within their GBI enrollment submission. Target deployment date is November 2025.
- eATA Carnet Implementation in ACE: develop an electronic ATA Carnet in ACE to control and release materials that are temporarily imported. Target deployment date is April 2026.
Updated target dates include October target dates for creating an additional, secure digital payment option for trade users to pay bills online through pay.gov, with additional plans to implement a new surety pay.gov form, as well as automating the ACE Portal Importer account application/creation process via a web-based form.