ACE
ACE stands for Automated Commercial Environment. It is a system through which the trade community reports imports and exports, and the government determines admissibility. ACE is designed to facilitate legitimate trade while enhancing border security. ACE is also the primary system or “single window” for the international trade community to communicate with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other participating government agencies.
Role of CBP in ACE
The role of CBP in ACE is to apply expertise, technology, and automation to create streamlined and efficient processes to facilitate the global exchange of safe and legitimate goods. CBP is also responsible for ensuring that international travel and trade follows the rules and regulations set by the World Customs Organization (WCO) framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Trade (SAFE). CBP also works with other government agencies to onboard them to ACE and to ensure compliance with the ACE Mandatory Use Dates. ACE is the system of record by which electronic trade transactions are conducted and recorded by CBP.
AMS
The Automated Manifest System (AMS) is an electronic transmission system that provides paperwork to US customs authorities before freight arrives. AMS was implemented by the United States to streamline marine inventory processes and reduce security threats. AMS is a form of tracking system that comes into play in the ocean, air, rail, and road freight. AMS is also part of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) via the Automated Broker Interface (ABI).
The parties that should file AMS are the carriers, freight forwarders, and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) that are involved in importing cargo into the USA. They need to file AMS at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded on the vessel. Customs can assess damages up to a maximum of $10,000 per shipment for violations such as failure to submit AMS timely, accurately, or completely. This includes failure to file AMS ($5,000 per shipment) Late filing of AMS ($5,000 per shipment)
Freight forwarders or NVOCC prefer to file AMS using their own SCAC code, can find AMS data processing provider list on below link to CBP. Service provider will send AMS data to CBP and send a response message back to the filer.
Freight forwarders or NVOCC still can file AMS through carriers or their local co-loader to file AMS on behalf.
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Sea Automated Manifest System (AMS) Data Processing Provider List
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To become an AMS filer in CBP, you need to have the following documents ready for the AMS provider submit to CBP
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A valid FMC Bond
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A valid type 3 International Carrier Bond
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A valid SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) issued by National Motor Freight Traffic Association Inc.(NMFTA).
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A valid Federial Maritime Commission (FMC) certificate
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FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION (FMC).
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National Motor Freight Traffic Association Inc.(NMFTA)
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