U.S. Customs and Border Protection November 9, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This document announces U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP's) plan to conduct a National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) test concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) entry capability. This new capability will include functionality specific to the filing of entry data for formal and informal consumption entries. This functionality will simplify the entry process by allowing participants to submit 12 required and three (3) optional data elements to CBP at any time prior to the arrival of the merchandise on the conveyance transporting the cargo to the United States. This data will fulfill merchandise entry requirements and will allow for earlier release decisions and more certainty for the importer in determining the logistics of cargo delivery. This initial phase of the test will be open to entries filed in the air transportation mode only. This notice invites parties to participate in the test, seeks public comment concerning any aspect of the planned test, describes the eligibility requirements for participation in the test, and outlines the development and evaluation methodology to be used in the test. This notice will be referred to as the Simplified Entry Notice.