Customs Updated 

ABI Explained

By: Staff Report

         The Automated Broker Interface is an integral part of ACS that permits qualified participants to file import data electronically with Customs. ABI is a voluntary program available to brokers, importers, carriers, port authorities, and independent service centers. Currently, more than 96 percent of all entries are filed through ABI.

         ABI expedites the release of merchandise for the trade community. Entry summaries are electronically transmitted, validated, confirmed, corrected, and paid. Administrative messages keep participants informed of all current information and issues.

         Participants can query quota status, visa requirements, manufacturer information, and entry/entry summary processing status. ABI allows filers to pay multiple entries with one payment transaction through statement processing. ABI filers can also pay Customs duties, fees, and taxes electronically through the Automated Clearinghouse (ACH).

         With ABI you can perform the following:

         •File entry release data electronically for cargo release processing.

         •File a consolidated entry summary, combining multiple release transactions on one entry summary.

         •File consumption entries, TIB entries, FTZ entries, and warehouse withdrawals for consumption.

         •File selected bypass entry summaries electronically, without providing additional paper documentation.

         •Transmit U.S. Customs Declaration (invoice and summary in one message) in EDIFACT syntax; summary data in Customs syntax; invoice data in Customs syntax.

         •Receive results of ACS edits and validations during development and testing of entry summary transactions. Choose the edit results you receive—acknowledgement for all transactions or for error/warning transactions only.

         •Receive paperless designation for general exam entry transactions.

         •Update entry dates electronically.

         •Change selected shipping details on entries in Customs status up until the time cargo arrives.

         •Designate one broker to receive all of an importer’s liquidation information through the National Importer Liquidations (NILS).

         •Certify entry summary for cargo release processing—a separate 3461 transaction is not required.

         •Receive conditional cargo release results up to five days before the ocean conveyance arrives, one day for air transport, same day for truck transport and rail transport.

         •Receive priority handling through exam/release processing (including quota and on-stop-quota).

         •File drawback claims electronically.

         •Choose from several payment options—send one check for each entry summary, one check for summaries on a statement, or pay statements electronically through the Automated Clearinghouse (ACH).

         Statement processing allows ABI filers to pay multiple ABI entry summaries with one check or payment transaction. Customs generates a preliminary statement of summaries due and transmits the statement to the filer through ABI. The filer prints and reviews the preliminary statement, updates the statement with additions or deletions, and submits a final statement with payment. Statement processing reduces the processing time for collection and acceptance of an entry summary. In addition, filers using statement processing are eligible to pay electronically using ACH.

         With statement processing you can:

         •Print and review statement of all entries scheduled for payment.

         •Update a scheduled statement with additions and deletions, or reschedule entry summaries for payment, up to the day before the statement date.

         •Receive receipt for payment in the form of a final statement of all entries paid.

         •Reduce the costs and risks of handling multiple paper checks.

         •Choose from two statement types: broker statements group entry summaries by filer code. Importer statements group entry summaries for a single importer. Statements are available in broker reference number order or entry summary number order.

         ACH is an electronic payment option that allows ABI filers to pay Customs fees, duties, and taxes with one electronic transaction. Filers transmit payment authorization to Customs through ABI. The payer’s account is debited and the Customs account is credited with the amount due. The accuracy and speed of ACH results in a higher volume of completed transactions for the importer and Customs, saving time and money.

         With ACH you can:

         •Obtain up to an additional ten days to pay duties, taxes, and fees on quota and other special merchandise classes.

         •Pay all ABI statements in a central location.

         •Eliminate check processing hassles—reduce errors and eliminate lost or stolen check problems.

         •Control cash flow by identifying the exact day to allocate funds.

         ACS interfaces with other government agencies to electronically transfer data on import transactions. The interface eliminates the need for paper copies of other agencies’ forms, which are otherwise required by Customs with the entry or entry summary. The OGA interface allows filers to comply with Department of Transportation, Bureau of Census, Federal Communications Commission, Food and Drug Administration, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requirements.

         With the OGA interface you can:

         •File entry and entry summary data electronically and receive ACS, Census, DOT, FCC, FDA, and FWS edit results.

         •Identify transactions subject to other agency review.

         •File other agency data electronically, get faster cargo release, and reduce the number of paper documents.

         •Receive other agency cargo status and authorizations for cargo disposition.

         The Border Release Advanced Selectivity System (BRASS) tracks and releases highly repetitive shipments at land border locations. Customs scans a bar code into a personal computer, verifies that the bar code matches the invoice data, enters the quantity, and releases the cargo. The cargo release data is transmitted to ACS, which establishes an entry and the requirement for an entry summary, and provides ABI participants with release information.

         With BRASS System you can:

         •Obtain release without preparing a CF-3461 or CF-3461 ALT — the barcode replaces these forms.

         •Participate in an automated release system without expensive computer or printer equipment.

         •Receive approval for expedited release after one-time application per district.

         •Receive detailed reports of all Border Release Advanced Selectivity System transactions electronically through ABI.

         •Minimize keying and processing—Customs output report creates your entry records.

         The BRASS system:

         •Replaced the former Line Release system and remained transparent to the trade community requirements.

         •Allows better system uptime.

         •Maintains better data quality.

         •Runs in a Windows NT environment.
         The Automated Manifest System (AMS) is a multi-modular cargo inventory control and release notification system. AMS interfaces directly with Customs Cargo Selectivity and In-Bond systems, and indirectly with ABI, allowing faster identification and release of low risk shipments. AMS speeds the flow of cargo and entry processing and provides participants with electronic authorization to move cargo release prior to arrival. AMS facilitates the intermodal movement and delivery of cargo by rail and trucks through the In-bond system. Carriers, port authorities, service bureaus, freight forwarders, and container freight stations can participate in AMS. AMS reduces reliance on paper documents and speeds the processing of manifest and waybill data. As a result, cargo remains on the dock for less time, participants realize faster tracking, and Customs provides better service to the importing community.

AMS Sea

         Sea AMS allows participants to transmit manifest data electronically prior to vessel arrival. Customs can then determine in advance whether the merchandise merits examination or immediate release. Upon receiving notification from Customs, the carrier can make decisions on staging cargo and the importer can arrange for examination, release, and distribution of the merchandise. All of this can be accomplished before the vessel arrives. Sea AMS allows you to communicate with other AMS participants, other government agencies, container freight stations, and non-vessel commercial carriers.

         With Sea AMS you can:

         •File inward manifest data electronically using Customs syntax (CAMIR) or industry standard syntax ANSI ASC X12.

         •Get electronic cargo release days before vessel arrival.

         •Benefit from electronic arrival of a vessel at each port of call.

         •Amend, delete, or re-add bill of lading data electronically.

         •Participate in Paperless Master In Bond program.

         •Receive electronic in-bond authorizations.

         •Designate secondary parties to receive carrier status notifications: designate AMS service center, FIRMS location, rail carrier, truck carrier, terminal operator, or another ocean carrier.

         •Transfer custodial bond liability electronically.

         •Request and receive electronic authorizations for Permits to Transfer (PTT).

         •Receive notification of APHIS, other government agency, and Customs holds.

         •Receive batch numbers with transmissions from AMS to enhance tracking ability.

AMS Air

         Air AMS allows carriers to arrive an in-bond shipment and to file in-bond permit to proceed, and local transfers electronically. The carrier obtains notifications of releases, in-bond authorizations, general order, permit to proceed, and local transfer authorization upon flight departure or arrival from the last foreign port. Air waybill data can be transmitted in any sequence. Carriers have the option to transmit bills at random or group them by flight. Amendments to any air waybill information can also be transmitted electronically through AMS. Air AMS increases data reliability and electronic enforcement capability by standardizing the way the trade community and Customs communicate.

         With Air AMS you can:

         •File and amend air waybills electronically.

         •Communicate flight departures electronically.

         •File permit to proceed, in-bond, and local transfers electronically, often in the original bill.

         •Arrive an in-bond shipment at the port of destination.

         •Use the air waybill number as the in-bond control number.

         •Designate a freight forwarder or deconsolidator to act as an agent for the carrier.

         •Receive cargo status notifications as soon as Customs is notified that the flight has departed from the last foreign port.

         •Designate cargo as General Order through AMS.

         •Use the air waybill number as the in-bond number.

         •Receive electronic authorization from the initial arrival port to the final destination.

         Freight Forwarders and Deconsolidators can:

         •File air waybill information electronically for non-automated air carriers.

         •Update existing air manifest data once designated as an agent by the carrier.

         •Receive all cargo status notifications for the non-automated carriers serviced.

AMS Rail

         Rail AMS is a cargo release notification system for rail carriers. Using a unique bill of lading number, the rail carrier electronically transmits bill information to Customs. When all bills on a train are assigned, the rail carrier transmits a report consisting of the bills and containers in standing car order. This allows Customs an opportunity to review the submitted documentation and determine, in advance, whether the merchandise merits examination or release. The carrier, upon receiving a release from Customs, is able to make decisions on staging cargo, and the importer can arrange for examination, release, and further distribution of the merchandise.

         The Department of Agriculture has access to Rail AMS to review manifest data electronically and perform other functions. Similar capability is planned for other agencies in the future.

         With Rail AMS you can:

         •Send Customs a train enroute, one hour out message within one-hour of reaching the border. This prompts Customs to release the carrier’s status messages.

         •Participate in automated Line Release. The carrier sends the C4 code (the bar code used in the Line Release system) before arrival. The bar code does not need to be read upon arrival, saving time for the carrier.

         •Receive electronic authorization for multi-transit border or in-transit border moves.

         •Specify a broker in the bill of lading—the broker will then receive the bill of lading in Customs CATAIR format, as well as status notifications pertaining to the bill.

         •File inward manifest data electronically using Customs syntax (CAMIR) or Sea Manifest syntax ASC X.12.

         •Amend, delete, or re-add bill of lading data electronically.

         •Participate in Paperless Master In-Bond program.

         •Receive electronic in-bond authorizations.

         •Designate secondary parties to receive carrier status notifications.

         •Receive notification of APHIS, other government agency, and Customs holds and removals.

Cargo selectivity

         The ACS Cargo Selectivity System is used to sort high risk cargo from low risk cargo and to determine the type of examination required. Cargo selectivity accepts data transmitted through ABI and compares it against established criteria. AMS or National In-bond entries processed through the Cargo Selectivity system are automatically posted to the appropriate bill of lading. Cargo Selectivity facilitates faster cargo processing.

         The Entry Summary Selectivity system automates the review of entry summary data. Using line item data transmitted through ABI, the system matches national and local selectivity criteria against entry summary data to assess risk by importer, tariff number, country of origin, manufacturer, and value. The system captures paperless summary activity, discrepant summary findings, and line item team assignment data.

         The Border Cargo Selectivity system determines risk assessment and examination requirements for high volume borders. The system uses the same editing process as the Cargo Selectivity system. The Border Cargo Selectivity system will soon be enhanced to allow ABI filers to transmit manifest information.

         The ACS Quota system tracks quantity controls on imported merchandise. It also tracks visas from other countries. (Visas determine the amount of exports allowed for certain countries.) The Quota system checks the quantities against the visas and transmits this information to the country of origin. The ACS quota and visa controls simplify reconciliation of imports and exports.

         Paperless entry processing eliminates the need for ABI participants to file a Customs Form 3461, Entry/Immediate Delivery, if certain criteria are met and the merchandise does not require examination. Carriers operational in AMS are notified electronically when merchandise is available for release.

Automated Invoice Interface(AII)

         AII allows filers to send electronic invoice information to Customs. This information is transmitted to Customs using either ABI record formats or the EDIFACT CUSDEC (Customs declaration). When EDIFACT is used, the filer also transmits data that is normally on the CF-3461 for cargo release, as well as the entry summary CF-7501, invoice data, and other government agency data.

         Filers can submit a drawback claim to Customs on a diskette or through ABI. This ensures that the data is quickly and accurately recorded in ACS and results in faster claim processing and issuance of the drawback payment. Immediate acceptance or rejection of data is available.

         The ABI electronic protest system allows ABI participants to file, amend, and query the following types of actions:

         Protests against decisions of the Customs Service under 18 U.S. C. 1514

Petitions for refunds of Customs duties or corrections of errors requiring reliquidation pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1520(c) and (d)

         Interventions in an importer’s protest by an exporter or producer of merchandise from a country that is a party to the North American Free Trade Agreement under Section 181.115 of the Customs Regulations.

         Once filed, protests can be amended and additional arguments submitted to:

         •Apply for further review (when not requested at time of filing

         •Assert additional claims or challenge an additional decision

         •Submit alternative claims and additional grounds or arguments

         •Request review of denial of further review

         •Request denial of the protest be voided

         The protest, petition, or intervention can be transmitted remotely from any location. Customs views and processes the protest on-line. An automatic notification routine keeps the filer informed of any change in status, including final disposition.

Remote Location Filing

         Remote Location Filing (RLF) is a pilot program, which allows an approved participant to electronically file a formal or informal consumption entry with Customs from a location within the United States other than the port of arrival (POA), or the designated exam site (DES).

         The National In-bond system tracks cargo enroute in the United States . Using departure, arrival, and closure data, the In-bond system tracks cargo from the point of unlading to the port of entry or exportation. The In-bond system is incorporated within AMS. AMS retains control over all sea in-bond movements (both conventional and paperless) that are associated with automated bills of lading.