|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is ACE e-Manifest?
A: ACE Electronic Truck Manifest is part of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), the electronic, automated U.S. trade processing system designed to enhance the country's border security. ACE e-Manifest is designed to ensure that details of imports entering the U.S. are in CBP's hands before the goods arrive at the border, and that those details arrive in a fast, efficient manner.
Q: Do I need to participate?
A: ACE e-Manifest is a mandatory program for all carriers crossing US land border ports, and is currently in effect at all land border ports in Washington, Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas, and several in North Dakota. e-Manifest becomes mandatory in both Michigan and New York starting May 24, 2007; in Vermont, New Hampshire, and any remaining North Dakota land points on July 12, 2007; and in all land border ports in Idaho and Montana on August 6, 2007.
Q: What do I need to do?
A: If you are crossing the border at one of the mandatory ports you need to electronically submit your manifest information for all trucks, both loaded and empty, at least one hour before arrival at the border (or half an hour for FAST participants).
Q: How do I submit my e-manifests?
A: You can submit your e-manifests to Customs using the US CBP ACE Portal; a software solution from a certified ACE software provider, such as eCustoms; or you can have a certified third party such as eCustoms submit your manifests for you.
Q: How do I know when I can cross the border?
A: When you submit your manifest, a confirmation is sent to you to indicate CBP accept/reject. (If you receive a "rejected" message, you must correct your e-manifest and submit it again.) Once you have received the "accepted" message, you can cross the border one hour later, or a half-hour later for FAST carriers.
Q: What happens when I reach the border?
A: If you have submitted your e-manifest correctly and on time, when your truck approaches the primary booth, the e-manifest is automatically retrieved along with the matching pre-filed entries, in-bond requests, and other release declarations for the CBP Officer to view and process. The CBP Officer will either release the truck at primary, or refer the truck to secondary for further processing.
Q: What solutions does eCustoms offer?
A: eCustoms offers you the option of purchasing our e-Manifest Gateway software solution to submit your own manifests, or having us submit manifests for you using our Fax 'N' Go service.
Q: How will these solutions help me complete the submission process? A: Our solutions are designed to make the submission process as simple and straightforward as possible. Once you've set up your profile and templates in e-Manifest Gateway, you can create and submit manifests in less than two minutes! And if you choose to use Fax 'N' Go, your manifests are submitted within minutes of our receiving your fax.
Q: Isn't there a free ACE solution?
A: Yes, US CBP offers a free ACE portal on its Web site. We welcome you giving it a test run, but we believe you will find e-Manifest Gateway or Fax 'N' Go easier to use and far more efficient.
Q: What is a SCAC Code?
A: The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a unique two-to-four-letter code used to identify carriers. You must have a SCAC code to submit e-manifests. For more information visit http://www.nmfta.org/.
Q: What happens if I don't submit an e-manifest for my shipments?
A: CBP will implement a 60-day period of "informed compliance" following the mandatory start date at each port. All trucks crossing without e-manifests will be informed of their non-compliance with CBP regulations and receive guidance on complying with the new regulations. After this initial period of informed compliance trucks without e-manifests may be denied entry or unlading privileges and may be returned to their country of origin.
Q: What is a "shipment"?
A: A shipment consists of your manifest and associated bill(s) of lading.
Q: What is a "trip"?
A: A trip is the actual movement of a shipment or multiple shipments.
|
|
