Getting Started with CBP Automated Systems

To get started with CBP automated systems, there are two important components to become familiar with:

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

Communication framework that provides standards for exchanging data via any electronic means.
ACE Secure Data Portal

Free, web-based access point designed to connect CBP, trade partners and Partner Government Agencies.

The table below provides details on what activities may be conducted through both components. Similarly, before filing data to ACE users should be familiar with associated business processes, procedures, and rules that govern filing data in ACE through both EDI and the Portal. These area available through the ACE Entry Summary Process and Policy and ACE Cargo Release Business Process pages. Additionally, videos and guides are available on the ACE Portal, manifest, and reports through the ACE Training page.

Activity	ACE via EDI Interfaces	ACE Portal
Send Importer Security Filing Data *Only low volume through Portal (less than 12 per year)	✓	✓
File an Import Air, Ocean, or Rail Manifest	✓
File an Import Truck Manifest	✓	✓
File an Electronic Inbond	✓	✓ via Truck Manifest
File an Entry	✓
File an Entry Summary	✓
File an E214	✓
File a Protest		✓
File Liquidations, Reconciliations or Drawback requests	✓
Run Reports		✓
Create Blanket Declarations		✓
Submit Supporting Documents for Release (CBP and PGA Forms)	✓ DIS
Submit Supporting Documents for Entry Summary (CBP and PGA Forms)	✓ DIS	✓ Upload Forms
Respond to Request for Documents (CBP Forms 28, 29, 4647)	✓ DIS	✓
Manage Account and Periodic Monthly Statement Information	✓	✓ via ACE Reports
Manage Account and Daily Statement Information	✓	✓ via ACE Reports
Make Post Summary Corrections	✓
File Export Air, Ocean and Rail Manifest	Pilots in Progress!
File& Export Commodity Data	✓	✓