Modification of the National Customs Automation Program Test Regarding Reconciliation and Transition of the Test From the Automated Commercial System to the Automated Commercial Environment, 89486-89490 [2016-29704]

Download as PDF 89486 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 238 / Monday, December 12, 2016 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Customs and Border Protection Effective Date for the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Becoming the Sole CBP-Authorized Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) System for Processing Electronic Drawback and Duty Deferral Entry and Entry Summary Filings U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: General notice. AGENCY: On August 30, 2016, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a notice in the Federal Register announcing plans to make the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) the sole electronic data interchange (EDI) system authorized by the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for processing electronic drawback and duty deferral entry and entry summary filings. The changes announced in that notice were to have been effective on October 1, 2016. On October 3, 2016, CBP published a notice in the Federal Register announcing that the effective date for the transition to ACE as the sole CBP-authorized EDI system for electronic drawback and duty deferral entry and entry summary filings would be delayed until further notice. This notice announces that the effective date for the transition will be January 14, 2017. SUMMARY: Effective January 14, 2017: ACE will be the sole CBP-authorized EDI system for processing electronic drawback and duty deferral entry and entry summary filings, and ACS will no longer be a CBP-authorized EDI system for purposes of processing these filings. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions related to this notice may be emailed to ASKACE@cbp.dhs.gov with the subject line identifier reading ‘‘ACS to ACE Drawback and Duty Deferral Entry and Entry Summary Filings transition’’. DATES: On August 30, 2016, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a notice in the Federal Register (81 FR 59644) announcing plans to make the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) the sole electronic data interchange (EDI) system authorized by the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for processing electronic drawback and duty deferral entry and entry summary filings, mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:59 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 241001 effective on October 1, 2016. The document also announced that, on October 1, 2016, the Automated Commercial System (ACS) would no longer be a CBP-authorized EDI system for purposes of processing these electronic filings. Finally, the notice announced a name change for the ACE filing code for duty deferral and the creation of a new ACE filing code for all electronic drawback filings, replacing the six distinct drawback codes previously filed in ACS. On October 3, 2016, CBP published a notice in the Federal Register (81 FR 68023) announcing that the effective date for these changes would be delayed until further notice. This notice announces that the new effective date for the transition will be January 14, 2017. At that time, ACE will become the sole CBP-authorized EDI system for electronic drawback and duty deferral entry and entry summary filings, and ACS will no longer be a CBP-authorized EDI system for purposes of processing these electronic filings. Dated: December 7, 2016. R. Gil Kerlikowske, Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. [FR Doc. 2016–29711 Filed 12–9–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–14–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Customs And Border Protection Modification of the National Customs Automation Program Test Regarding Reconciliation and Transition of the Test From the Automated Commercial System to the Automated Commercial Environment U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: General notice. AGENCY: This document announces U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP’s) plan to modify the National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) test regarding reconciliation, and the transition of the test from the Automated Commercial System (ACS) to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). The modifications made by this notice eliminate several requirements for participation in the test, impose new data requirements, and establish the requirement that reconciliation entries be filed in ACE beginning January 14, 2017, regardless of whether the underlying entry was filed in ACS or ACE. Except to the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 extent expressly announced or modified by this document, all aspects, rules, terms and conditions announced in previous notices regarding the reconciliation test remain in effect. DATES: The changes made by this notice are effective January 14, 2017. ADDRESSES: Comments concerning this test program may be submitted any time during the test via email, with a subject line identifier reading, ‘‘Comment on Reconciliation test’’, to OFORECONFOLDER@cbp.dhs.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Acenitha Kennedy, Entry Summary and Revenue Branch, Trade Policy and Programs, Office of Trade at (202) 863– 6064 or ACENITHA.KENNEDY@ CBP.DHS.GOV. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background A. Reconciliation The National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) was established by Subtitle B of Title VI—Customs Modernization in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Implementation Act (Customs Modernization Act) (Pub. L. 103–182, 107 Stat. 2057, 2170, December 8, 1993) (19 U.S.C. 1411). Through NCAP, the thrust of customs modernization was on trade compliance and the development of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), the planned successor to the Automated Commercial System (ACS) as the CBP-authorized electronic data interchange (EDI) system. ACE is an automated and electronic system for commercial trade processing which is intended to streamline business processes, facilitate growth in trade, ensure cargo security, and foster participation in global commerce, while ensuring compliance with U.S. laws and regulations and reducing costs for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and all of its communities of interest. The ability to meet these objectives depends on successfully modernizing CBP’s business functions and the information technology that supports those functions. CBP’s modernization efforts are accomplished through phased releases of ACE component functionality designed to replace specific legacy ACS functions and add new functionality. Section 637 of the Customs Modernization Act amended Section 484 of the Tariff Act of 1930 to establish a new section (b), entitled ‘‘Reconciliation’’, a planned component of the NCAP. (19 U.S.C. 1484(b)). Reconciliation is the process that allows an importer, at the time an entry E:\FR\FM\12DEN1.SGM 12DEN1 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 238 / Monday, December 12, 2016 / Notices summary is filed, to identify indeterminable information (other than that affecting admissibility) to CBP and to provide that outstanding information at a later date. The importer identifies the outstanding information by means of an electronic ‘‘flag’’ which is placed on the entry summary at the time the entry summary is filed and payment (applicable duty, taxes, and fees) is made. Section 101.9(b) of title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations (19 CFR 101.9(b)) provides for the testing of NCAP components. See T.D. 95–21, 60 FR 14211 (March 16, 1995). This test is established pursuant to this regulation. The reconciliation program is currently being tested by CBP using the Automated Commercial System (ACS). CBP announced and explained the test in a general notice document published in the Federal Register (63 FR 6257) on February 6, 1998. Clarifications and operational changes were announced in subsequent Federal Register notices: 63 FR 44303, published on August 18, 1998; 64 FR 39187, published on July 21, 1999; 64 FR 73121, published on December 29, 1999; 66 FR 14619, published on March 13, 2001; 67 FR 61200, published on September 27, 2002 (with a correction document published at 67 FR 68238 on November 8, 2002); 69 FR 53730, published on September 2, 2004; 70 FR 1730, published on January 10, 2005; 70 FR 46882, published on August 11, 2005; 71 FR 37596, published on June 30, 2006, 78 FR 27984, published on May 13, 2013; and 79 FR 34334 published June 16, 2014. A Federal Register (65 FR 55326) notice published on September 13, 2000, extended the prototype indefinitely. The previously published Federal Register documents have set forth that the issues for which an entry summary may be ‘‘flagged’’ (for the purpose of later reconciliation) are limited and relate to: (1) Value issues other than claims based on latent manufacturing defects; (2) classification issues, on a limited basis; (3) issues concerning value aspects of entries filed under heading 9802, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) (9802 issues); and (4) issues concerning post-importation claims, under 19 U.S.C. 1520(d), for preferential tariff treatment for merchandise entered under the Acts implementing the North American Free Trade Agreement, the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement, the Dominican RepublicCentral America-United States Free Trade Agreement, the United StatesOman Free Trade Agreement, the United States-Peru Trade Promotion VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:59 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 241001 Agreement, the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, and the United StatesPanama Trade Promotion Agreement. The flagged entry summary (the underlying entry summary) is liquidated by CBP for all aspects of the entry except those issues that were flagged. Upon liquidation of an underlying entry summary, any decision by CBP entering into that liquidation, e.g., classification, may be protested pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1514. The means of providing the outstanding information flagged on the underlying entry summary to be reconciled is through the filing of a reconciliation entry. A reconciliation entry is treated as an entry for purposes of liquidation, reliquidation, and protest. When the outstanding information, e.g., value as determined by the actual costs, is later furnished in the reconciliation entry CBP will liquidate the reconciliation entry as to the flagged issues. Any adjustments in duties, taxes, and/or fees owed will be made at that time. (See 63 FR 6257, February 6, 1998 for a more detailed presentation of the basic reconciliation process.) The liquidation of the reconciliation entry will be posted in the same manner and place as the notices of liquidation of other entries. Liquidation of a reconciliation entry may be protested pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1514, but the protest may only pertain to the issue(s) flagged for and contained in the reconciliation entry (i.e., the protest may not address issues previously liquidated on the underlying entry summary). CBP reminds test participants that the filing of a reconciliation entry, like the filing of a regular consumption entry, is governed by 19 U.S.C. 1484 and can be done only by an importer of record who is required to exercise reasonable care in filing the underlying entry summary, flagging issues for later reconciliation, and filing the reconciliation entry. Importers must also be aware of the distinction between prior disclosure and reconciliation. A prior disclosure exists when a person discloses the circumstances of a violation of 19 U.S.C. 1592 pursuant to CBP regulations. The person disclosing this information must do so before, or without knowledge of, the commencement of a formal investigation of that violation. Under reconciliation, the importer is not disclosing a violation, but rather identifying information which is indeterminable and will be provided at a later time when the reconciliation entry is filed. PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 89487 B. Transition Into ACE Over the last several years, CBP has tested ACE and provided significant public outreach to ensure that the trade community is fully aware of the transition from ACS to ACE. On October 13, 2015, CBP published an Interim Final Rule in the Federal Register (80 FR 61278) that designated ACE as a CBP-authorized EDI system. The designation of ACE as a CBP-authorized EDI system was effective November 1, 2015. In the Interim Final Rule, CBP stated that ACS would be phased out and anticipated that ACS would no longer be supported for entry and entry summary filing by the end of February 2016. Filers were encouraged to adjust their business practices so that they would be prepared when ACS was decommissioned. CBP has developed a staggered transition strategy for decommissioning ACS. The first phase of the transition was announced in a Federal Register notice published on February 29, 2016 (81 FR 10264). The second phase was announced in a Federal Register notice published on May 16, 2016 (81 FR 30320). The third phase of the transition was announced in a Federal Register notice published on May 23, 2016 (81 FR 32339). Most recently, CBP announced in a Federal Register notice published on July 28, 2016 (81 FR 49685) that ACE is the sole CBPauthorized method for filing electronic protests. This notice announces a further transition from ACS to ACE as CBP is transitioning the reconciliation test from ACS to ACE. The changes made by this notice related to the application process for participation in this test, the flagging of underlying entries and the filing of reconciliation entries are effective January 14, 2017. Except to the extent expressly announced or modified by this document, all aspects, rules, terms, requirements, obligations and conditions announced in previous notices regarding the reconciliation test remain in effect. II. Test Modifications and Transition Into ACE This document announces numerous modifications to the reconciliation test and the transition of the test from ACS to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). Each modification and the transition from ACS to ACE are discussed separately below. Except to the extent expressly announced or modified by this document, all aspects, rules, terms, requirements, obligations and conditions announced in previous notices regarding the reconciliation test E:\FR\FM\12DEN1.SGM 12DEN1 89488 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 238 / Monday, December 12, 2016 / Notices remain in effect. It should be noted that the changes made by this document related to the filing of reconciliation entries apply only to reconciliation entries filed in ACE; they do not apply to reconciliation entries filed in ACS. A. Mandatory Use of ACE for Filing Reconciliation Entries This document announces that beginning January 14, 2017, all reconciliation entries must be filed in ACE regardless of whether the underlying entry was filed in ACS or ACE and regardless of whether it is a replacement, substitution or follow-up to a reconciliation entry originally filed in ACS. As of January 14, 2017, ACS is decommissioned for the filing of reconciliation entries. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES B. Elimination of Reconciliation Processing Ports This document announces that CBP is eliminating the requirement that reconciliation entries be filed at specified reconciliation processing ports. Beginning on January 14, 2017, reconciliation entries may be filed in ACE at any CBP port. CBP reminds importers and customs brokers that the filing of a reconciliation entry is considered customs business under 19 U.S.C. 1641, which requires that a broker wishing to file a reconciliation entry have a district or national permit authorizing the broker to file the reconciliation entry at the port where the reconciliation entry is filed. C. Application Process and Participation Preconditions This document announces that, except for suspended parties wishing to be reinstated into the test, CBP is removing the requirement that interested importers apply to participate in this test. Beginning January 14, 2017, CBP is opening this test to all nonsuspended importers without any need for interested importers to apply and be accepted into the test. The only importers who may not participate in this test, i.e., not flag underlying entries for reconciliation, are those who have been suspended from participation. Any party suspended from the test will not be allowed to flag entries until the suspension period ends and the party applies for reinstatement and reinstatement is granted. Suspended importers are still required to file reconciliation entries timely during the suspension period for underlying entries flagged prior to the suspension becoming effective. Any party suspended from the test who wishes to be reinstated must submit an application to its assigned Center of VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:59 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 241001 Excellence and Expertise designee if it has one; otherwise the application should be submitted at the local CBP port. The application for reinstatement must address the reasons for the suspension and fully describe all corrective action taken to address the grounds for suspension. CBP will respond to all applications for reinstatement but until and unless reinstatement is granted, the suspended importers may not participate in the test, i.e., importers may not flag underlying entries for reconciliation. Importers wishing to participate in the test are still required, as a precondition to participation, to have a continuous bond on file with CBP with the required reconciliation bond rider. An importer without the required reconciliation bond rider will be unable to flag underlying entries. D. Elimination of Importer Requests That CBP Blanket Flag on Importer’s Behalf This document announces that CBP is streamlining the process for blanket flagging underlying entries for reconciliation. Prior to the changes announced herein, importers provided CBP a request asking that CBP input and apply a blanket flag to all underlying entries filed by the importer for a specific time period. Importers also identified the specific issue(s) for which they requested that CBP input and apply the requested blanket flag. This document announces that effective January 14, 2017, importers no longer will submit requests asking that CBP apply a blanket flag on their behalf. Instead, importers may input and apply a blanket flag themselves. Importers who use blanket flagging must continue to identify the issue(s) they are flagging. E. Requests for Retroactive Flagging This document announces that beginning January 14, 2017, all test participants may request that CBP retroactively flag underlying entries on their behalf. A request may be made by sending an email to OFORECONFOLDER@cbp.dhs.gov. The request must be made at least 60 days before the scheduled liquidation date of the underlying entry the importer wishes to have CBP flag retroactively. CBP’s decision to grant or deny such a request is entirely discretionary and solely within CBP’s province. CBP’s decision is final and cannot be appealed. CBP will send an email to the importer or his agent when its request is approved or denied along with a list of the entry numbers which were flagged and a list of the entry numbers which were not flagged. It should be PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 noted that CBP intends to grant these requests sparingly and only as a courtesy where appropriate. F. Automation of the Reconciliation Entry Filing Process and Elimination of Spreadsheets This document announces that reconciliation entries filed in ACE will be fully automated and all required data and information must be transmitted electronically on the reconciliation entry. Reconciliation entries must continue to be filed using the Automated Broker Interface (ABI). This document also announces that paper and compact disc spreadsheets will no longer be accepted as part of the filing of reconciliation entries. The data formerly contained in the associated files and spreadsheets, reduced as explained in section G below, will be transmitted electronically as part of the reconciliation entry. G. Reduction of Information Requirements for Reconciliation Entries This document announces that reconciliation entries with no changes to flagged entries must only report the flagged underlying entry numbers (no line item data) and must be filed as an aggregate reconciliation entry, i.e., no entry-by-entry reconciliation entry will be allowed when there are no changes to declare. Reconciliation entries with changes to the flagged entry will no longer have to include original transaction values, or original duties, fees and taxes amounts declared in the flagged entry. As a result, reconciliation entries with changes will only have to report the newly determined transaction value and the newly reconciled duties, fees and taxes. Reconciliation entries claiming preferential tariff treatment pursuant to a free trade agreement postimportation claim must include electronic certifications of the statements and declarations required by regulation. Reconciliation entries reconciling classification issues must provide information indicating the protest, administrative ruling or court action which necessitates reconciling the classification of the underlying flagged entry. Reconciliation entries flagged only for a value change must indicate by checking a checkbox if the value change results in a classification change as well. H. New Data Requirements This document announces that reconciliation entry filers must check a checkbox indicating if a prior disclosure has been made on any of the flagged underlying entries. If no prior disclosure was made, the checkbox should not be E:\FR\FM\12DEN1.SGM 12DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 238 / Monday, December 12, 2016 / Notices checked. Additionally, the reconciliation entry line item data must include the line number of the underlying flagged entry being reconciled. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES I. Elimination of Masterfile Extract and Liquidation Extract Reports This document also announces that the Masterfile Extract and Liquidation Extract Reports that CBP provided upon request, for a fee, will be discontinued in both paper and diskette form as soon as that information is available in an ACE report CBP will be discontinuing the issuance of the Masterfile and Liquidation Extract reports because the information usually contained in these reports will be available free of charge in ACE reports for those parties having an ACE Portal Account. For information on ACE Portal Accounts please see CBP’s general notice published in the Federal Register on October 21, 2015 (80 FR 63817). ACE Portal Accounts allow the trade community to run reports, as needed, to access their customs data. CBP will provide notice that the information is available on an ACE report by announcing it on the ACE reports home page and through the issuance of a message made on the Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS). CBP recommends that trade members subscribe to CSMS to receive email notifications from CBP regarding ACE reports and other important information. For information about subscribing to CSMS, please go to: https://apps.cbp.gov/csms/csms.asp? display_page=1. III. Development of ACE Prototypes A chronological listing of Federal Register publications detailing ACE test developments is set forth below. • ACE Portal Accounts and Subsequent Revision Notices: 67 FR 21800 (May 1, 2002); 69 FR 5360 and 69 FR 5362 (February 4, 2004); 69 FR 54302 (September 8, 2004); 70 FR 5199 (February 1, 2005). • ACE System of Records Notice: 71 FR 3109 (January 19, 2006). • Terms/Conditions for Access to the ACE Portal and Subsequent Revisions: 72 FR 27632 (May 16, 2007); 73 FR 38464 (July 7, 2008). • ACE Non-Portal Accounts and Related Notice: 70 FR 61466 (October 24, 2005); 71 FR 15756 (March 29, 2006). • ACE Entry Summary, Accounts and Revenue (ESAR I) Capabilities: 72 FR 59105 (October 18, 2007). • ACE Entry Summary, Accounts and Revenue (ESAR II) Capabilities: 73 FR 50337 (August 26, 2008); 74 FR 9826 (March 6, 2009). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:59 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 241001 • ACE Entry Summary, Accounts and Revenue (ESAR III) Capabilities: 74 FR 69129 (December 30, 2009). • ACE Entry Summary, Accounts and Revenue (ESAR IV) Capabilities: 76 FR 37136 (June 24, 2011). • Post-Entry Amendment (PEA) Processing Test: 76 FR 37136 (June 24, 2011). • ACE Announcement of a New Start Date for the National Customs Automation Program Test of Automated Manifest Capabilities for Ocean and Rail Carriers: 76 FR 42721 (July 19, 2011). • ACE Simplified Entry: 76 FR 69755 (November 9, 2011). • National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Tests Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Document Image System (DIS): 77 FR 20835 (April 6, 2012). • National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Tests Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Simplified Entry: Modification of Participant Selection Criteria and Application Process: 77 FR 48527 (August 14, 2012). • Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Regarding Reconciliation for Filing Certain Post-Importation Preferential Tariff Treatment Claims under Certain FTAs: 78 FR 27984 (May 13, 2013). • Modification of Two National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Tests Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Document Image System (DIS) and Simplified Entry (SE): 78 FR 44142 (July 23, 2013). • Modification of Two National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Tests Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Document Image System (DIS) and Simplified Entry (SE); Correction: 78 FR 53466 (August 29, 2013). • Modification of National Customs Automation Program Test Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Cargo Release (formerly known as Simplified Entry): 78 FR 66039 (November 4, 2013). • Post-Summary Corrections to Entry Summaries Filed in ACE Pursuant to the ESAR IV Test: Modifications and Clarifications: 78 FR 69434 (November 19, 2013). • National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning the Submission of Certain Data Required by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food Safety and Inspection Service Using the Partner Government Agency Message Set Through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE): 78 FR 75931 (December 13, 2013). PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 89489 • Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Cargo Release for Ocean and Rail Carriers: 79 FR 6210 (February 3, 2014). • Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Cargo Release to Allow Importers and Brokers to Certify From ACE Entry Summary: 79 FR 24744 (May 1, 2014). • Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Cargo Release for Truck Carriers: 79 FR 25142 (May 2, 2014). • Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Document Image System: 79 FR 36083 (June 25, 2014). • Announcement of eBond Test: 79 FR 70881 (November 28, 2014). • eBond Test Modifications and Clarifications: Continuous Bond Executed Prior to or Outside the eBond Test May Be Converted to an eBond by the Surety and Principal, Termination of an eBond by Filing Identification Number, and Email Address Correction: 80 FR 899 (January 7, 2015). • Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Document Image System Relating to Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Document Submissions: 80 FR 5126 (January 30, 2015). • Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning the use of Partner Government Agency Message Set through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) for the Submission of Certain Data Required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): 80 FR 6098 (February 4, 2015). • Announcement of Modification of ACE Cargo Release Test to Permit the Combined Filing of Cargo Release and Importer Security Filing (ISF) Data: 80 FR 7487 (February 10, 2015). • Modification of NCAP Test Concerning ACE Cargo Release for Type 03 Entries and Advanced Capabilities for Truck Carriers: 80 FR 16414 (March 27, 2015). • Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Export Manifest for Air Cargo Test: 80 FR 39790 (July 10, 2015). • National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Concerning Remote Location Filing Entry Procedures in the Automated Commercial Environment E:\FR\FM\12DEN1.SGM 12DEN1 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES 89490 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 238 / Monday, December 12, 2016 / Notices (ACE) and the Use of the Document Image System for the Submission of Invoices and the Use of eBonds for the Transmission of Single Transaction Bonds: 80 FR 40079 (July 13, 2015). • Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Partner Government Agency (PGA) Message Set Regarding Types of Transportation Modes and Certain Data Required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): 80 FR 47938 (August 10, 2015). • Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Export Manifest for Vessel Cargo Test: 80 FR 50644 (August 20, 2015). • Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning the Submission of Certain Data Required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Using the Partner Government Agency Message Set through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE): 80 FR 52051 (August 27, 2015). • Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Export Manifest for Rail Cargo Test: 80 FR 54305 (September 9, 2015). • Modification of the National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Document Image System (DIS) Regarding Future Updates and New Method of Submission of Accepted Documents: 80 FR 62082 (October 15, 2015). • Modification of the National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Cargo Release for Entry Type 52 and Certain Other Modes of Transportation: 80 FR 63576 (October 20, 2015). • Modification of the National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Entry Summary, Accounts and Revenue (ESAR) Test of Automated Entry Summary Types 51 and 52 and Certain Modes of Transportation: 80 FR 63815 (October 21, 2015). • Modification of the National Customs Automation Program Test Concerning the Automated Commercial Environment Portal Account to Establish the Exporter Portal Account: 80 FR 63817 (October 21, 2015). • Modification of National Customs Automation Program Test Concerning the Automated Commercial Environment Partner Government Agency Message Set Regarding the Toxic Substances Control Act VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:59 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 241001 Certification Required by the Environmental Protection Agency: 81 FR 7133 (February 10, 2016). • Notice Announcing the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) as the Sole CBP-Authorized Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) System for Processing Certain Electronic Entry and Entry Summary Filings: 81 FR 10264 (February 29, 2016). • Modification of the National Customs Automation Program (NCAP); Test Concerning the Partner Government Agency Message Set for Certain Data Required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): 81 FR 13399 (March 14, 2016). • Cessation of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning the Submission of Certain Data Required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Using the Partner Government Agency (PGA) Message Set Through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE): 81 FR 18634 (March 31, 2016). • Automated Commercial Environment (ACE); Announcement of National Customs Automation Program Test of the In-Transit Manifest Pilot Program: 81 FR 24837 (April 27, 2016). • Announcement of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning the Submission through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) of Certain Import Data and Documents Required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: 81 FR 27149 (May 5, 2016). • Notice Announcing the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) as the Sole CBP-Authorized Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) System for Processing Certain Electronic Entry and Entry Summary Filings Accompanied by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Data: 81 FR 30320 (May 16, 2016). • Notice Announcing the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) as the Sole CBP-Authorized Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) System for Processing Electronic Entry and Entry Summary Filings: 81 FR 32339 (May 23, 2016). • Notice Announcing the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Protest Module as the Sole CBP-Authorized Method for Filing Electronic Protests: 81 FR 49685 (July 28, 2016). • Modification of the National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Portal Accounts to Establish the Protest Filer Account and Clarification that the Terms and Conditions for Account Access Apply to all ACE Portal Accounts: 81 FR 52453 (August 8, 2016). PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning Electronic Filing of Protests in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE): 81 FR 53497 (August 12, 2016). Dated: December 7, 2016. Brenda B. Smith, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade. [FR Doc. 2016–29704 Filed 12–9–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–14–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [Docket ID: FEMA–2016–0023; OMB No. 1660–0125] Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; FEMA Preparedness Grants: Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will submit the information collection abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget for review and clearance in accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The submission will describe the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden (i.e., the time, effort and resources used by respondents to respond) and cost, and the actual data collection instruments FEMA will use. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before January 11, 2017. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget. Comments should be addressed to the Desk Officer for the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and sent via electronic mail to oira.submission@ omb.eop.gov. SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection should be made to Director, Records Management Division, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472–3100, or email address FEMA-Information-CollectionsManagement@fema.dhs.gov. E:\FR\FM\12DEN1.SGM 12DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 238 (Monday, December 12, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 89486-89490]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29704]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Customs And Border Protection


Modification of the National Customs Automation Program Test 
Regarding Reconciliation and Transition of the Test From the Automated 
Commercial System to the Automated Commercial Environment

AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland 
Security.

ACTION: General notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document announces U.S. Customs and Border Protection's 
(CBP's) plan to modify the National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) 
test regarding reconciliation, and the transition of the test from the 
Automated Commercial System (ACS) to the Automated Commercial 
Environment (ACE). The modifications made by this notice eliminate 
several requirements for participation in the test, impose new data 
requirements, and establish the requirement that reconciliation entries 
be filed in ACE beginning January 14, 2017, regardless of whether the 
underlying entry was filed in ACS or ACE. Except to the extent 
expressly announced or modified by this document, all aspects, rules, 
terms and conditions announced in previous notices regarding the 
reconciliation test remain in effect.

DATES: The changes made by this notice are effective January 14, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Comments concerning this test program may be submitted any 
time during the test via email, with a subject line identifier reading, 
``Comment on Reconciliation test'', to OFO-RECONFOLDER@cbp.dhs.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Acenitha Kennedy, Entry Summary and 
Revenue Branch, Trade Policy and Programs, Office of Trade at (202) 
863-6064 or ACENITHA.KENNEDY@CBP.DHS.GOV.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

A. Reconciliation

    The National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) was established by 
Subtitle B of Title VI--Customs Modernization in the North American 
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Implementation Act (Customs Modernization 
Act) (Pub. L. 103-182, 107 Stat. 2057, 2170, December 8, 1993) (19 
U.S.C. 1411). Through NCAP, the thrust of customs modernization was on 
trade compliance and the development of the Automated Commercial 
Environment (ACE), the planned successor to the Automated Commercial 
System (ACS) as the CBP-authorized electronic data interchange (EDI) 
system. ACE is an automated and electronic system for commercial trade 
processing which is intended to streamline business processes, 
facilitate growth in trade, ensure cargo security, and foster 
participation in global commerce, while ensuring compliance with U.S. 
laws and regulations and reducing costs for U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection (CBP) and all of its communities of interest. The ability to 
meet these objectives depends on successfully modernizing CBP's 
business functions and the information technology that supports those 
functions. CBP's modernization efforts are accomplished through phased 
releases of ACE component functionality designed to replace specific 
legacy ACS functions and add new functionality. Section 637 of the 
Customs Modernization Act amended Section 484 of the Tariff Act of 1930 
to establish a new section (b), entitled ``Reconciliation'', a planned 
component of the NCAP. (19 U.S.C. 1484(b)).
    Reconciliation is the process that allows an importer, at the time 
an entry

[[Page 89487]]

summary is filed, to identify indeterminable information (other than 
that affecting admissibility) to CBP and to provide that outstanding 
information at a later date. The importer identifies the outstanding 
information by means of an electronic ``flag'' which is placed on the 
entry summary at the time the entry summary is filed and payment 
(applicable duty, taxes, and fees) is made.
    Section 101.9(b) of title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations (19 
CFR 101.9(b)) provides for the testing of NCAP components. See T.D. 95-
21, 60 FR 14211 (March 16, 1995). This test is established pursuant to 
this regulation. The reconciliation program is currently being tested 
by CBP using the Automated Commercial System (ACS). CBP announced and 
explained the test in a general notice document published in the 
Federal Register (63 FR 6257) on February 6, 1998. Clarifications and 
operational changes were announced in subsequent Federal Register 
notices: 63 FR 44303, published on August 18, 1998; 64 FR 39187, 
published on July 21, 1999; 64 FR 73121, published on December 29, 
1999; 66 FR 14619, published on March 13, 2001; 67 FR 61200, published 
on September 27, 2002 (with a correction document published at 67 FR 
68238 on November 8, 2002); 69 FR 53730, published on September 2, 
2004; 70 FR 1730, published on January 10, 2005; 70 FR 46882, published 
on August 11, 2005; 71 FR 37596, published on June 30, 2006, 78 FR 
27984, published on May 13, 2013; and 79 FR 34334 published June 16, 
2014. A Federal Register (65 FR 55326) notice published on September 
13, 2000, extended the prototype indefinitely.
    The previously published Federal Register documents have set forth 
that the issues for which an entry summary may be ``flagged'' (for the 
purpose of later reconciliation) are limited and relate to: (1) Value 
issues other than claims based on latent manufacturing defects; (2) 
classification issues, on a limited basis; (3) issues concerning value 
aspects of entries filed under heading 9802, Harmonized Tariff Schedule 
of the United States (HTSUS) (9802 issues); and (4) issues concerning 
post-importation claims, under 19 U.S.C. 1520(d), for preferential 
tariff treatment for merchandise entered under the Acts implementing 
the North American Free Trade Agreement, the United States-Chile Free 
Trade Agreement, the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States 
Free Trade Agreement, the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement, the 
United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, the United States-Korea 
Free Trade Agreement, the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion 
Agreement, and the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement.
    The flagged entry summary (the underlying entry summary) is 
liquidated by CBP for all aspects of the entry except those issues that 
were flagged. Upon liquidation of an underlying entry summary, any 
decision by CBP entering into that liquidation, e.g., classification, 
may be protested pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1514. The means of providing the 
outstanding information flagged on the underlying entry summary to be 
reconciled is through the filing of a reconciliation entry. A 
reconciliation entry is treated as an entry for purposes of 
liquidation, reliquidation, and protest. When the outstanding 
information, e.g., value as determined by the actual costs, is later 
furnished in the reconciliation entry CBP will liquidate the 
reconciliation entry as to the flagged issues. Any adjustments in 
duties, taxes, and/or fees owed will be made at that time. (See 63 FR 
6257, February 6, 1998 for a more detailed presentation of the basic 
reconciliation process.) The liquidation of the reconciliation entry 
will be posted in the same manner and place as the notices of 
liquidation of other entries. Liquidation of a reconciliation entry may 
be protested pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1514, but the protest may only 
pertain to the issue(s) flagged for and contained in the reconciliation 
entry (i.e., the protest may not address issues previously liquidated 
on the underlying entry summary).
    CBP reminds test participants that the filing of a reconciliation 
entry, like the filing of a regular consumption entry, is governed by 
19 U.S.C. 1484 and can be done only by an importer of record who is 
required to exercise reasonable care in filing the underlying entry 
summary, flagging issues for later reconciliation, and filing the 
reconciliation entry. Importers must also be aware of the distinction 
between prior disclosure and reconciliation. A prior disclosure exists 
when a person discloses the circumstances of a violation of 19 U.S.C. 
1592 pursuant to CBP regulations. The person disclosing this 
information must do so before, or without knowledge of, the 
commencement of a formal investigation of that violation. Under 
reconciliation, the importer is not disclosing a violation, but rather 
identifying information which is indeterminable and will be provided at 
a later time when the reconciliation entry is filed.

B. Transition Into ACE

    Over the last several years, CBP has tested ACE and provided 
significant public outreach to ensure that the trade community is fully 
aware of the transition from ACS to ACE. On October 13, 2015, CBP 
published an Interim Final Rule in the Federal Register (80 FR 61278) 
that designated ACE as a CBP-authorized EDI system. The designation of 
ACE as a CBP-authorized EDI system was effective November 1, 2015. In 
the Interim Final Rule, CBP stated that ACS would be phased out and 
anticipated that ACS would no longer be supported for entry and entry 
summary filing by the end of February 2016. Filers were encouraged to 
adjust their business practices so that they would be prepared when ACS 
was decommissioned.
    CBP has developed a staggered transition strategy for 
decommissioning ACS. The first phase of the transition was announced in 
a Federal Register notice published on February 29, 2016 (81 FR 10264). 
The second phase was announced in a Federal Register notice published 
on May 16, 2016 (81 FR 30320). The third phase of the transition was 
announced in a Federal Register notice published on May 23, 2016 (81 FR 
32339). Most recently, CBP announced in a Federal Register notice 
published on July 28, 2016 (81 FR 49685) that ACE is the sole CBP-
authorized method for filing electronic protests. This notice announces 
a further transition from ACS to ACE as CBP is transitioning the 
reconciliation test from ACS to ACE. The changes made by this notice 
related to the application process for participation in this test, the 
flagging of underlying entries and the filing of reconciliation entries 
are effective January 14, 2017. Except to the extent expressly 
announced or modified by this document, all aspects, rules, terms, 
requirements, obligations and conditions announced in previous notices 
regarding the reconciliation test remain in effect.

II. Test Modifications and Transition Into ACE

    This document announces numerous modifications to the 
reconciliation test and the transition of the test from ACS to the 
Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). Each modification and the 
transition from ACS to ACE are discussed separately below. Except to 
the extent expressly announced or modified by this document, all 
aspects, rules, terms, requirements, obligations and conditions 
announced in previous notices regarding the reconciliation test

[[Page 89488]]

remain in effect. It should be noted that the changes made by this 
document related to the filing of reconciliation entries apply only to 
reconciliation entries filed in ACE; they do not apply to 
reconciliation entries filed in ACS.

A. Mandatory Use of ACE for Filing Reconciliation Entries

    This document announces that beginning January 14, 2017, all 
reconciliation entries must be filed in ACE regardless of whether the 
underlying entry was filed in ACS or ACE and regardless of whether it 
is a replacement, substitution or follow-up to a reconciliation entry 
originally filed in ACS. As of January 14, 2017, ACS is decommissioned 
for the filing of reconciliation entries.

B. Elimination of Reconciliation Processing Ports

    This document announces that CBP is eliminating the requirement 
that reconciliation entries be filed at specified reconciliation 
processing ports. Beginning on January 14, 2017, reconciliation entries 
may be filed in ACE at any CBP port. CBP reminds importers and customs 
brokers that the filing of a reconciliation entry is considered customs 
business under 19 U.S.C. 1641, which requires that a broker wishing to 
file a reconciliation entry have a district or national permit 
authorizing the broker to file the reconciliation entry at the port 
where the reconciliation entry is filed.

C. Application Process and Participation Preconditions

    This document announces that, except for suspended parties wishing 
to be reinstated into the test, CBP is removing the requirement that 
interested importers apply to participate in this test. Beginning 
January 14, 2017, CBP is opening this test to all non-suspended 
importers without any need for interested importers to apply and be 
accepted into the test. The only importers who may not participate in 
this test, i.e., not flag underlying entries for reconciliation, are 
those who have been suspended from participation. Any party suspended 
from the test will not be allowed to flag entries until the suspension 
period ends and the party applies for reinstatement and reinstatement 
is granted. Suspended importers are still required to file 
reconciliation entries timely during the suspension period for 
underlying entries flagged prior to the suspension becoming effective. 
Any party suspended from the test who wishes to be reinstated must 
submit an application to its assigned Center of Excellence and 
Expertise designee if it has one; otherwise the application should be 
submitted at the local CBP port. The application for reinstatement must 
address the reasons for the suspension and fully describe all 
corrective action taken to address the grounds for suspension. CBP will 
respond to all applications for re-instatement but until and unless 
reinstatement is granted, the suspended importers may not participate 
in the test, i.e., importers may not flag underlying entries for 
reconciliation.
    Importers wishing to participate in the test are still required, as 
a precondition to participation, to have a continuous bond on file with 
CBP with the required reconciliation bond rider. An importer without 
the required reconciliation bond rider will be unable to flag 
underlying entries.

D. Elimination of Importer Requests That CBP Blanket Flag on Importer's 
Behalf

    This document announces that CBP is streamlining the process for 
blanket flagging underlying entries for reconciliation. Prior to the 
changes announced herein, importers provided CBP a request asking that 
CBP input and apply a blanket flag to all underlying entries filed by 
the importer for a specific time period. Importers also identified the 
specific issue(s) for which they requested that CBP input and apply the 
requested blanket flag. This document announces that effective January 
14, 2017, importers no longer will submit requests asking that CBP 
apply a blanket flag on their behalf. Instead, importers may input and 
apply a blanket flag themselves. Importers who use blanket flagging 
must continue to identify the issue(s) they are flagging.

E. Requests for Retroactive Flagging

    This document announces that beginning January 14, 2017, all test 
participants may request that CBP retroactively flag underlying entries 
on their behalf. A request may be made by sending an email to OFO-RECONFOLDER@cbp.dhs.gov. The request must be made at least 60 days 
before the scheduled liquidation date of the underlying entry the 
importer wishes to have CBP flag retroactively. CBP's decision to grant 
or deny such a request is entirely discretionary and solely within 
CBP's province. CBP's decision is final and cannot be appealed. CBP 
will send an email to the importer or his agent when its request is 
approved or denied along with a list of the entry numbers which were 
flagged and a list of the entry numbers which were not flagged. It 
should be noted that CBP intends to grant these requests sparingly and 
only as a courtesy where appropriate.

F. Automation of the Reconciliation Entry Filing Process and 
Elimination of Spreadsheets

    This document announces that reconciliation entries filed in ACE 
will be fully automated and all required data and information must be 
transmitted electronically on the reconciliation entry. Reconciliation 
entries must continue to be filed using the Automated Broker Interface 
(ABI). This document also announces that paper and compact disc 
spreadsheets will no longer be accepted as part of the filing of 
reconciliation entries. The data formerly contained in the associated 
files and spreadsheets, reduced as explained in section G below, will 
be transmitted electronically as part of the reconciliation entry.

G. Reduction of Information Requirements for Reconciliation Entries

    This document announces that reconciliation entries with no changes 
to flagged entries must only report the flagged underlying entry 
numbers (no line item data) and must be filed as an aggregate 
reconciliation entry, i.e., no entry-by-entry reconciliation entry will 
be allowed when there are no changes to declare. Reconciliation entries 
with changes to the flagged entry will no longer have to include 
original transaction values, or original duties, fees and taxes amounts 
declared in the flagged entry. As a result, reconciliation entries with 
changes will only have to report the newly determined transaction value 
and the newly reconciled duties, fees and taxes. Reconciliation entries 
claiming preferential tariff treatment pursuant to a free trade 
agreement post-importation claim must include electronic certifications 
of the statements and declarations required by regulation. 
Reconciliation entries reconciling classification issues must provide 
information indicating the protest, administrative ruling or court 
action which necessitates reconciling the classification of the 
underlying flagged entry. Reconciliation entries flagged only for a 
value change must indicate by checking a checkbox if the value change 
results in a classification change as well.

H. New Data Requirements

    This document announces that reconciliation entry filers must check 
a checkbox indicating if a prior disclosure has been made on any of the 
flagged underlying entries. If no prior disclosure was made, the 
checkbox should not be

[[Page 89489]]

checked. Additionally, the reconciliation entry line item data must 
include the line number of the underlying flagged entry being 
reconciled.

I. Elimination of Masterfile Extract and Liquidation Extract Reports

    This document also announces that the Masterfile Extract and 
Liquidation Extract Reports that CBP provided upon request, for a fee, 
will be discontinued in both paper and diskette form as soon as that 
information is available in an ACE report CBP will be discontinuing the 
issuance of the Masterfile and Liquidation Extract reports because the 
information usually contained in these reports will be available free 
of charge in ACE reports for those parties having an ACE Portal 
Account. For information on ACE Portal Accounts please see CBP's 
general notice published in the Federal Register on October 21, 2015 
(80 FR 63817). ACE Portal Accounts allow the trade community to run 
reports, as needed, to access their customs data. CBP will provide 
notice that the information is available on an ACE report by announcing 
it on the ACE reports home page and through the issuance of a message 
made on the Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS). CBP recommends that 
trade members subscribe to CSMS to receive email notifications from CBP 
regarding ACE reports and other important information. For information 
about subscribing to CSMS, please go to: https://apps.cbp.gov/csms/csms.asp?display_page=1.

III. Development of ACE Prototypes

    A chronological listing of Federal Register publications detailing 
ACE test developments is set forth below.
     ACE Portal Accounts and Subsequent Revision Notices: 67 FR 
21800 (May 1, 2002); 69 FR 5360 and 69 FR 5362 (February 4, 2004); 69 
FR 54302 (September 8, 2004); 70 FR 5199 (February 1, 2005).
     ACE System of Records Notice: 71 FR 3109 (January 19, 
2006).
     Terms/Conditions for Access to the ACE Portal and 
Subsequent Revisions: 72 FR 27632 (May 16, 2007); 73 FR 38464 (July 7, 
2008).
     ACE Non-Portal Accounts and Related Notice: 70 FR 61466 
(October 24, 2005); 71 FR 15756 (March 29, 2006).
     ACE Entry Summary, Accounts and Revenue (ESAR I) 
Capabilities: 72 FR 59105 (October 18, 2007).
     ACE Entry Summary, Accounts and Revenue (ESAR II) 
Capabilities: 73 FR 50337 (August 26, 2008); 74 FR 9826 (March 6, 
2009).
     ACE Entry Summary, Accounts and Revenue (ESAR III) 
Capabilities: 74 FR 69129 (December 30, 2009).
     ACE Entry Summary, Accounts and Revenue (ESAR IV) 
Capabilities: 76 FR 37136 (June 24, 2011).
     Post-Entry Amendment (PEA) Processing Test: 76 FR 37136 
(June 24, 2011).
     ACE Announcement of a New Start Date for the National 
Customs Automation Program Test of Automated Manifest Capabilities for 
Ocean and Rail Carriers: 76 FR 42721 (July 19, 2011).
     ACE Simplified Entry: 76 FR 69755 (November 9, 2011).
     National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Tests 
Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Document Image System 
(DIS): 77 FR 20835 (April 6, 2012).
     National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Tests 
Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Simplified Entry: 
Modification of Participant Selection Criteria and Application Process: 
77 FR 48527 (August 14, 2012).
     Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) 
Test Regarding Reconciliation for Filing Certain Post-Importation 
Preferential Tariff Treatment Claims under Certain FTAs: 78 FR 27984 
(May 13, 2013).
     Modification of Two National Customs Automation Program 
(NCAP) Tests Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Document 
Image System (DIS) and Simplified Entry (SE): 78 FR 44142 (July 23, 
2013).
     Modification of Two National Customs Automation Program 
(NCAP) Tests Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Document 
Image System (DIS) and Simplified Entry (SE); Correction: 78 FR 53466 
(August 29, 2013).
     Modification of National Customs Automation Program Test 
Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Cargo Release 
(formerly known as Simplified Entry): 78 FR 66039 (November 4, 2013).
     Post-Summary Corrections to Entry Summaries Filed in ACE 
Pursuant to the ESAR IV Test: Modifications and Clarifications: 78 FR 
69434 (November 19, 2013).
     National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning 
the Submission of Certain Data Required by the Environmental Protection 
Agency and the Food Safety and Inspection Service Using the Partner 
Government Agency Message Set Through the Automated Commercial 
Environment (ACE): 78 FR 75931 (December 13, 2013).
     Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) 
Test Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Cargo Release 
for Ocean and Rail Carriers: 79 FR 6210 (February 3, 2014).
     Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) 
Test Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Cargo Release to 
Allow Importers and Brokers to Certify From ACE Entry Summary: 79 FR 
24744 (May 1, 2014).
     Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) 
Test Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Cargo Release 
for Truck Carriers: 79 FR 25142 (May 2, 2014).
     Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) 
Test Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Document Image 
System: 79 FR 36083 (June 25, 2014).
     Announcement of eBond Test: 79 FR 70881 (November 28, 
2014).
     eBond Test Modifications and Clarifications: Continuous 
Bond Executed Prior to or Outside the eBond Test May Be Converted to an 
eBond by the Surety and Principal, Termination of an eBond by Filing 
Identification Number, and Email Address Correction: 80 FR 899 (January 
7, 2015).
     Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) 
Test Concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Document Image 
System Relating to Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) 
Document Submissions: 80 FR 5126 (January 30, 2015).
     Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) 
Test Concerning the use of Partner Government Agency Message Set 
through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) for the Submission 
of Certain Data Required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): 
80 FR 6098 (February 4, 2015).
     Announcement of Modification of ACE Cargo Release Test to 
Permit the Combined Filing of Cargo Release and Importer Security 
Filing (ISF) Data: 80 FR 7487 (February 10, 2015).
     Modification of NCAP Test Concerning ACE Cargo Release for 
Type 03 Entries and Advanced Capabilities for Truck Carriers: 80 FR 
16414 (March 27, 2015).
     Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Export Manifest for 
Air Cargo Test: 80 FR 39790 (July 10, 2015).
     National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Concerning 
Remote Location Filing Entry Procedures in the Automated Commercial 
Environment

[[Page 89490]]

(ACE) and the Use of the Document Image System for the Submission of 
Invoices and the Use of eBonds for the Transmission of Single 
Transaction Bonds: 80 FR 40079 (July 13, 2015).
     Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) 
Test Concerning the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Partner 
Government Agency (PGA) Message Set Regarding Types of Transportation 
Modes and Certain Data Required by the National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration (NHTSA): 80 FR 47938 (August 10, 2015).
     Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Export Manifest for 
Vessel Cargo Test: 80 FR 50644 (August 20, 2015).
     Modification of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) 
Test Concerning the Submission of Certain Data Required by the Food and 
Drug Administration (FDA) Using the Partner Government Agency Message 
Set through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE): 80 FR 52051 
(August 27, 2015).
     Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Export Manifest for 
Rail Cargo Test: 80 FR 54305 (September 9, 2015).
     Modification of the National Customs Automation Program 
(NCAP) Test Concerning the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) 
Document Image System (DIS) Regarding Future Updates and New Method of 
Submission of Accepted Documents: 80 FR 62082 (October 15, 2015).
     Modification of the National Customs Automation Program 
(NCAP) Test Concerning the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Cargo 
Release for Entry Type 52 and Certain Other Modes of Transportation: 80 
FR 63576 (October 20, 2015).
     Modification of the National Customs Automation Program 
(NCAP) Test Concerning the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Entry 
Summary, Accounts and Revenue (ESAR) Test of Automated Entry Summary 
Types 51 and 52 and Certain Modes of Transportation: 80 FR 63815 
(October 21, 2015).
     Modification of the National Customs Automation Program 
Test Concerning the Automated Commercial Environment Portal Account to 
Establish the Exporter Portal Account: 80 FR 63817 (October 21, 2015).
     Modification of National Customs Automation Program Test 
Concerning the Automated Commercial Environment Partner Government 
Agency Message Set Regarding the Toxic Substances Control Act 
Certification Required by the Environmental Protection Agency: 81 FR 
7133 (February 10, 2016).
     Notice Announcing the Automated Commercial Environment 
(ACE) as the Sole CBP-Authorized Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) 
System for Processing Certain Electronic Entry and Entry Summary 
Filings: 81 FR 10264 (February 29, 2016).
     Modification of the National Customs Automation Program 
(NCAP); Test Concerning the Partner Government Agency Message Set for 
Certain Data Required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): 81 
FR 13399 (March 14, 2016).
     Cessation of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) 
Test Concerning the Submission of Certain Data Required by the Food and 
Drug Administration (FDA) Using the Partner Government Agency (PGA) 
Message Set Through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE): 81 FR 
18634 (March 31, 2016).
     Automated Commercial Environment (ACE); Announcement of 
National Customs Automation Program Test of the In-Transit Manifest 
Pilot Program: 81 FR 24837 (April 27, 2016).
     Announcement of National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) 
Test Concerning the Submission through the Automated Commercial 
Environment (ACE) of Certain Import Data and Documents Required by the 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: 81 FR 27149 (May 5, 2016).
     Notice Announcing the Automated Commercial Environment 
(ACE) as the Sole CBP-Authorized Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) 
System for Processing Certain Electronic Entry and Entry Summary 
Filings Accompanied by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Data: 81 FR 
30320 (May 16, 2016).
     Notice Announcing the Automated Commercial Environment 
(ACE) as the Sole CBP-Authorized Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) 
System for Processing Electronic Entry and Entry Summary Filings: 81 FR 
32339 (May 23, 2016).
     Notice Announcing the Automated Commercial Environment 
(ACE) Protest Module as the Sole CBP-Authorized Method for Filing 
Electronic Protests: 81 FR 49685 (July 28, 2016).
     Modification of the National Customs Automation Program 
(NCAP) Test Concerning the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) 
Portal Accounts to Establish the Protest Filer Account and 
Clarification that the Terms and Conditions for Account Access Apply to 
all ACE Portal Accounts: 81 FR 52453 (August 8, 2016).
     National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) Test Concerning 
Electronic Filing of Protests in the Automated Commercial Environment 
(ACE): 81 FR 53497 (August 12, 2016).

    Dated: December 7, 2016.
Brenda B. Smith,
Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade.
[FR Doc. 2016-29704 Filed 12-9-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9111-14-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.