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The CBP ABI system is the Automated Broker Interface, which allows customs brokers and self-filing importers to send cargo release and entry summary declarations to CBP.
It’s a sophisticated electronic system for streamlining and automating the submission of import data and related information to CBP, which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The CBP ABI system is pivotal in modernizing and streamlining the import process, promoting efficiency, accuracy, and compliance in international trade operations involving the United States.
Key features of the CBP ABI system:
Electronic Data Transmission: Allows for the electronic submission of import data, such as cargo manifests, entry summaries, and other required documentation, directly to CBP.
Customs Documentation: Facilitates the creation and submission of necessary customs documentation and other relevant paperwork required for clearance.
Data Verification and Validation: Automatically verifies and validates the accuracy and completeness of the submitted data, helping to reduce errors and improve data quality.
Real-Time Responses: Provide instant feedback on the status of import submissions, including acknowledgments, rejections, and other notifications, ensuring timely and efficient processing.
Compliance and Regulatory Adherence: Helps importers and brokers adhere to U.S. customs regulations and compliance requirements, ensuring the import process is conducted within legal boundaries.
Efficiency and Speed: Enhances operational efficiency and expedites the import process by automating data entry, reducing paperwork, and enabling faster clearance of goods at the border.
Cost Savings: Reduces administrative costs associated with manual paperwork and data entry, making the import process more cost-effective for businesses.
Classification Assistance: The tariff picker helps users accurately classify their goods according to the internationally recognized Harmonized System (HS) codes, which are standardized codes for product categorization.
Tariff Identification: Upon classifying the goods, the tariff picker retrieves the relevant tariff information, including duty rates, taxes, and any applicable trade agreements that might affect the tariff rates.
Customs Compliance: The tariff picker helps ensure compliance with the customs laws and regulations of the importing and exporting countries by providing the correct tariff classifications and associated duties and taxes.
User-Friendly Interface: The tool is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for importers and exporters to navigate and use, even if they do not possess in-depth knowledge of the tariff system.
Search and Filter Capabilities: Users can search for specific products or browse through categories to find the appropriate HS code and associated tariff details, streamlining the classification process.
Validate HTS Codes- all HTS are validated and display any applicable PGA flags
Intelligent HTS- the system will detect previous HTS corrections and ask if you would like to make the same changes in the current entry
Yes, CustomsCity has an Intelligent HTS engine which allows users to find any HTS code using layman terms like iPhone or oatmeal cookies
Yes, CustomsCity users can store any PGA data in the PGA product catalog and easily retrieve this information and populate the PGA data into the entry they are creating
Yes, Customs city users can clone a previous entry or create a template for a customer
Yes, CustomsCity is connected directly to CBP and retrieves HTS updates automatically and electronically
Pricing is per transaction sent to CBP on a monthly basis. Responses received by CBP and sending updates or deletes to CBP are not charged. Type 86 counts as a transaction. Download ABI LOI below and email the completed form to info@customscity.com
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20Number of included transactions
65Number of included transactions
300We believe that by adopting modern technologies and combining with the knowledge of Customs & Trade we can deliver the optimal solutions for our customers. CustomsCity will make your eCommerce customs compliance process seamless and cost effective.
ABI is the electronic system that lets licensed customs brokers send import entry data and documents directly to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection through ACE, the Automated Commercial Environment. It’s the main way brokers file formal customs entries for commercial imports.
Only licensed customs brokers with an active CBP filer code can submit entries through ABI. Importers, forwarders, and other trade partners can prepare data using ABI-enabled software, but the actual transmission to CBP must be done by a licensed broker.
ABI supports many entry types, including consumption entries (Type 01), warehouse entries (Type 02), TIB/temporary imports under bond (Type 03), informal entries (Type 11), and a variety of specialized entry types.
You need importer of record data and IOR number, entry type and number, the port of entry, arrival date, estimated duties/fees, HTS classifications, quantities, values, country of origin, manufacturer IDs, and references to required documents.
Most electronic ABI entries are processed within minutes or a few hours. Straightforward entries can be released almost immediately, while entries flagged for review or examination may take longer depending on CBP requirements.
ABI software minimizes errors with automated validation, speeds up processing, manages documents electronically, provides real-time status updates, calculates duties and fees automatically, integrates with accounting systems, and saves significant time on repetitive entries.
Yes. It includes updated HTS classifications, duty rates, and tax schedules. It calculates duties, MPF, HMF, and other applicable charges based on commodity data and declared value.
Yes. It includes updated HTS classifications, duty rates, and tax schedules. It calculates duties, MPF, HMF, and other applicable charges based on commodity data and declared value.
If an entry is rejected, highlights the fields that need correcting, supports quick resubmission, and we offer 24/7 expert support that can help fixing any rejection
Yes. It can file PSCs when entries need updates after release. The system tracks PSC status, manages reconciliations and calculates duty adjustments.
Definitely. The system supports unlimited importers, customizable user permissions and client-specific setups.
Yes. It supports API integrations with TMS/WMS platforms, and ACH payment workflow.
Yes. Reconciliation entries can be filed through our system
It provides dashboards for real-time entry status, duty/fee summaries, duty/fee per HTS, 7501 reports, holds/rejections report, and 3461 cargo release report.
We offer personalized onboarding, training sessions, 24/7 support, and an online knowledge base.
Our compliance team monitors Federal Register updates, participates in CBP and COAC meetings, receives direct communications from CBP, and updates tariff schedules, HTS codes, duty rates, and validation rules as soon as changes occur.
Yes. During a demo or free trial, you can walk through ABI entry creation, validation checks, and submission processes to ensure the system aligns with your brokerage operations and compliance requirements.
