Importers, let’s talk about how to access your ACE reports with ease!
In the past, we have written about ACE / ACI eManifests, Post Summary Corrections, and other crucial elements for importers to be privy of within the system. But taking a step back, it may be important for importers to also take note of the basics behind accessing ACE reports.
First, what is ACE? Pulling directly from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website:
“The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is the system through which the trade community reports imports and exports and the government determines admissibility. CBP Trade applies expertise, technology, and automation to create streamlined and efficient processes to facilitate the global exchange of safe and legitimate goods.”
There are various reference documents available online, authored by CBP to help importers navigate the ACE platform, as CBP invests resources in education. You can find a direct link to the training and reference guides right here.
Today, we’ll cover the basics of accessing your ACE Reports and other important related information.
ACE was built to standardize the process of entering goods into the US. One of the ways this is done is by making various data reports available to importers with a few clicks.
What is an ACE Export Report?
These reports include the transactional export data on your file, sorted by the employer ID number. These reports replace the documents entitled US Principal Party in Interest (USPPI). This was documentation that was requested on an ad hoc basis.
Rest assured that the information that is included within an ACE Export Report is confidential and should not be disclosed for non-official purposes, punishable by law. (US Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade Regulations, Section 30.60).
How do you request an ACE Export Report?
The 6 steps to requesting an ACE Export Report are listed on the US Census Bureau website as the following:
- Establishing an ACE Exporter Account
- Submit request with your ACE Export Account
- Complete the Certification of Authority (COA) with your company’s letterhead
- Sign the printed form
- Scan the signed COA form and email it to [email protected]
- Respond to any additional verification questions we may deem necessary to confirm your eligibility to access the requested reports
Check out the flow chart they created below!
What happens after you submit a request for the Report?
Once the request for a report has been placed, you must successfully pass the CBP official vetting process. This process will only begin once the steps are finished. Take note, these requests are handled in the order that they are received!
In the event of approval, you will receive an email notifying you. From there, you will be able to access the reports on the following business day.
For a status update or a question about your report, contact the CBP’s ACE Service Desk. Here is their contact information (keep this handy!):
Phone:1-866-530-4172 option 1, then option 2
Email: [email protected]
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If you have any additional questions about navigating the ACE platform, it may save you valuable resources to connect with a customs consultant. It is their duty to specialize in these regulatory processes and help companies clear US customs with ease. Click here to contact!
