What are the best practices for using ACE to submit and track your entries?

1 Register and update your account

Before you can use ACE, you need to register and create an account on the ACE Secure Data Portal. This is where you can access various features and functions of ACE, such as reports, messages, and alerts. You also need to update your account information regularly, such as your email address, phone number, and mailing address. This will ensure that you receive important notifications and updates from CBP and other agencies.

2 Choose the right entry type

When you submit your entries, you need to choose the right entry type for your shipment. There are different types of entries, such as formal, informal, warehouse, and foreign trade zone, and each one has different requirements and procedures. Choosing the wrong entry type can result in delays, penalties, or rejections. You can use the ACE Entry Summary Business Rules and Process Document to help you select the appropriate entry type.

3 Follow the data standards

ACE has specific data standards and formats that you need to follow when you submit your entries. These include the use of valid codes, identifiers, dates, and units of measure. You also need to ensure that your data is accurate, complete, and consistent. If you submit data that does not meet the standards, you may receive error messages, warnings, or rejections. You can use the ACE Entry Summary Create/Update CATAIR to help you comply with the data standards.

4 Use the reports and dashboards

ACE provides you with various reports and dashboards that you can use to track your entries and monitor your compliance. These include the Entry Summary Status Report, the ACE Portal Account Dashboard, and the Trade Compliance Dashboard. These tools allow you to view the status of your entries, check for errors or discrepancies, and identify areas of improvement. You can also customize your reports and dashboards to suit your needs and preferences.

5 Communicate with CBP and other agencies

ACE allows you to communicate with CBP and other government agencies that are involved in the trade process. You can use the ACE Portal Messaging feature to send and receive messages, documents, and attachments. You can also use the Document Image System (DIS) to submit scanned images of paper documents that are required for your entries. These features enable you to exchange information faster, easier, and more securely.

By following these best practices, you can use ACE to submit and track your entries more efficiently and effectively. ACE is a powerful and versatile system that can help you streamline your customs brokerage operations and enhance your trade compliance.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?