ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) is the name of the CBP (Customs & Border Protection) platform to process Air eManifest submissions from air carriers, freight forwarders, warehouses, and customs brokers.
The ACAS (Air Cargo Advance Screening) program has been mandatory since June 12, 2018. The ACAS program is a joint public/private partnership with CBP and the TSA (Transportation Security Administration). The ACAS program requires the airline or other 3rd party to submit manifest information before the loading of the cargo at the foreign destination. ACAS allows CBP and the TSA to receive advance security filing cargo data as a means to target cargo shipments inbound to the United States that may be high risk and require additional physical screening under the appropriate regulatory framework and protocols.
International goods valued $800 or less can enter the US duty-free. Some international businesses prefer to clear section 321 shipments by utilizing the below process:
The rise of e-commerce shipments is also shifting the focus how Customs handles the processing of large volumes of small boxes.
● Mandatory security requirement
●Air Cargo may also be released on the manifest
● Electronic release within Seconds
● PGA shipments
● More efficient and less complicated release than a formal entry
● Release at CFS and Save MPF (merchandise Processing Fee)
● The grouping of shipments of smaller size and weight at the origin and sent on a direct flight to the destination country
● Implemented in the US for large volume e-commerce shipments
● Packages are labeled with domestic shipping labels at origin and last-mile carrier will deliver once cargo reaches the destination country
● Air Waybill Number – The eleven-digit numbers issued by the airline
● Shipper Name and Address – Individual name or name of business and street address with city/province, country and postal code
● Consignee Name and Address – Individual name or name of business and street address with city/state, country and zip code
● Cargo Description – Clear and concise cargo description
● Total Quantity – Smallest external packing unit i.e. how many boxes on the pallet
● Total Weight – Total weight of the cargo (pounds or kilograms)
The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) was introduced by the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP). This initiative is a cargo security control and release notification system for air carriers, customs brokers and CFS warehouse operators.
ACE Air eManifest allows CFW warehouses to arrive shipments by sending ASN (Arrival Status Notification), and track shipment releases and shipment holds. Airlines can file in-bond, permit to proceed (PTP), and local transfers (1F) electronically. Customs brokers can submit advance HAWB data.
ACE Air eManifest enables carriers and freight forwarders to obtain notifications such as in-bond authorizations, general order, permit to proceed, and local transfer authorization upon flight departure from the last foreign port.
Airway bill data can be transmitted in any sequence (MAWB or HAWB) . AMS Air increases data reliability and electronic enforcement capability by standardizing the way the trade community and CBP communicate.
The Air Automated Manifest System (AMS Air) is a requirement of the US Customs & Border Protection (CBP). This is the advance electronic manifest filing of air cargo entering or transiting, the US. Essentially, House Airway (HAWB) & MAWB (Master Airway bill) information for all shipments arriving in the US must be sent to CBP 4 hours before the shipments arrive at the destination airport in the US.
AMS Air is the previously known name for the now-existing ACE Air eManifest. AMS or Automated Manifest System is the name of the CBP system that processes air manifest information for security purposes. The CBP system has been recently updated and is also known as Air ACE or Automated Commercial Environment.
ACE Air eManifest system is a cargo manifest release and cargo notification system for air carriers, freight forwarders and warehouse operators. Any of these entities can file with the required qualifications from CBP such as Customs broker Filer Code, Importer bond (type 1), Custodial Bond (type 2) & International Carrier bond (type 3)
The information supplied by the incoming carrier may be supplemented by additional information provided by four other eligible parties including the:
Non-filing of AMS Air can lead to the seizing of shipments by CBP and associated fines/liquidated damages thereafter. Filing late and subjecting yourself to Customs fines and penalties is no fun. For every “instance”, or improperly filed AMS requirements, your company may be subject to fines of $5,000-$10,000.
The amount of the bond is set by the port director of the port where the bond has been filed. The minimum bond amount has been set at $50,000 but the port director may require a higher amount.
No. A continuous bond filed at one port is valid for Air AMS purposes at all ports where cargo intends to land in the US.
Yes, The Air Carrier is required to file AMS Air.
Freight forwarders may voluntarily file advance HAWB data to CBP.
CFS warehouses may voluntarily participate in Air AMS by becoming an automated CFS warehouse.
Air carriers are required to file ACAS data to CBP (which flows to TSA)
Freight forwarders or customs brokers may voluntarily file ACAS if they have access to more detailed information at the HAWB level
ACAS data needs to be sent to CBP (TSA) before the cargo is laden on board the flight
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. AMS Air counts as a transaction. Download ACE Air LOI below and email completed form to info@customscity.com
Number of included transactions
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10Number of included transactions
200Number of included transactions
650Number of included transactions
3000We believe that by adopting modern technologies and combining with the knowledge of Customs & Trade we can deliver the optimal solutions for our customers. Customs City will make your eCommerce customs compliance process seamless and cost effective.
+1-888-724-8914 (North America toll-free) 
+1-289-732-2010 (Canada) 
+1-213-260-0795 (USA) 
+52-800-269-2626 (Mexico Toll-Free) 
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