Ace Cancellations & eBond FAQ
ACE Cancellations
The following flowchart was released by CBP a few days ago outlining ACE cargo release cancellations. It is important to follow these rules to avoid ACE rejections. Note RLF flagged entries follow the same flowchart.
As part of our ongoing effort to improve the IB&M web tool experience for our clients, we have compiled the following helpful hints when processing eBonds. The FAQ represents our customer feedback nationwide.
eBond FAQ
Adjusting eSTB amounts
If you need to adjust an eSTB bond amount, you must first retransmit the updated entry data in ACE prior to adjusting the eSTB amount and retransmitting the single bond to ACE via the IB&M website. Submitting the adjusted single bond first before updating the entry data will result in a rejection by ACE.
*Keep in mind; this has caused some confusion in the Trade since it’s the reversed order of the way eSTBs are normally filed; prior to the entry.
Voiding eSTBs
If you are trying to void an eSTB that already has an entry summary match, the void request will be rejected by ACE. In these cases, the whole entry must first be cancelled before voiding the bond. After the entry has been cancelled, ACE will accept the eSTB void request.
eBond rejections due to no 5106 on file
All eBonds will be rejected by ACE if no 5106 is on file in ACE. This goes for eSTB, eISF, and eContinuous Bonds as well. Make sure to transmit a 5106 via ABI to ACE before submitting any eBond requests to avoid rejections.
Cancel & Replace
When attempting to cancel and replace a continuous bond that is already on file with another surety via the IB&M web tool, you will be asked if a termination request on the existing bond has already been submitted. You should only click Yes if you are absolutely certain the cancellation request has been sent and know the actual date of termination. If you are not sure, just click No to this question and IB&M will facilitate both the cancel and replacement request to ensure there is no lapse in the bond.
SNP Codes (Secondary Notify Party)
There still seems to be some confusion amongst the brokerage community about how to ascertain SNP codes and the benefits of using the code when filing eBonds. When eBond design conversations were taking place during the summer of 2014, the customs brokerage community asked CBP to program a secondary notify party (SNP) message directly from ACE to the broker’s ABI system alerting them about bond acceptances and updates rather than relying on the surety. An SNP code is a broker’s 4 digit port code immediately followed by the 3 character filer code. There may also be a 2 digit branch code at the end. You can confirm with your ABI provider if you are not sure of your 7 to 9 digit SNP code. IB&M’s web tool allows for the easy addition of SNP codes to eBond submissions. You can also email your SNP code to bond@intlbondmarine.com and we will automatically attach your SNP code to all new eBond submissions moving forward.
Name & Address Changes
Customs brokers now have the ability to submit a 5106 electronically via ABI to amend name and address changes for U.S. based importers. Any foreign based principal amendments will need to be filed by IB&M manually since ABI does not have the functionality to do so.
IB&M still has the ability to file 5106 on your behalf manually if necessary. Please contact us directly at bond@intlbondmarine.com if you are in need of assistance.
Remote Location Filing (RLF)
As of August 2015, ACE release entries for importers without a continuous bond on file, can still be remote filed using an eSTB. For more information on this functionality, it is best to check with your respective software provider.
When to use an eBond - ACE vs ACS
Although CBP mandated use of ACE for entry types 01, 03, 11, 23, 51, and 52 as of March 31st, 2016, many PGA entries will not have ACE release until much later this year. This means many paper single bonds will continue to be required by CBP for ACS release entries. IB&M’s web tool is a dual system that allows for the processing of both paper single bonds for ACS entries and eSTBs for ACE release entries. Please make sure your entry is ACE release or ACE entry summary certified for cargo release before issuing an eSTB.