ACE Manifest Requirements

Learn what's required in order to cross commercially into the U.S.

ACE Manifest Requirements

The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is U.S. Customs and Border Protection's electronic manifest program. It is intended to facilitate trade while strengthening border security. Since 2007, highway carriers have had to comply with ACE Manifest requirements when bringing goods into the United States by filing an ACE Manifest at least one hour prior to arrival at the border. For more information on ACE guidelines, you can refer to the BorderConnect ACE Manifest Software User Guide or for the ACE Data Portal, refer to the CBP ACE Manifest Training Resources from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

ACE Program Overview

ACE is the backbone of CBP's trade processing and risk management activities and provides a single, centralized access point to connect CBP, Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) and the trade community.

ACE Requirements for Trucks

Under ACE Manifest regulations trucks must ensure that BOTH the ACE Manifest and the entry number by the customs broker (for PAPS shipments) are on file with CBP for at least one hour prior to the driver's arrival at the border. Failure to do so could result in delays at the border, refused entry into the U.S. and/or an penalty action.

For more information on CBP Penalties Program: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/penalties

ACE Manifest Arrival Requirements

When arriving at the border in the United States, the driver must present customs paperwork (ie customs invoice and/or Bill of Lading) with a legible trip number or shipment control number. Although CBP officers capture the trip information from the truck licence plate, a PAPS barcode and/or barcoded ACE lead sheet can expedite the border processing time and also helps the officer to bring up the ACE Manifest in their system.

The officer will then verify the information is correct, and it is their discretion to move the driver to secondary inspection or not for further verification. CBP officers do not stamp paperwork upon release of the shipment, and the only way to prove that a shipment was released with CBP is to use a signed proof of delivery document.

ACE Manifest lead sheets can be generated from within BorderConnect, either from the manifest or as a set ahead of time. The carrier can also design and produce their own lead sheets. Learn More.

Shipment Release Types Required for ACE Manifest

The following shipment types are used for goods entering United States via highway carrier:

PAPS (Pre-Arrival Processing System) - default shipment type for commercial goods entering the U.S., allows pre-clearance of goods.
In-Bond - allows for inland movement of goods that are not considered 'released' by CBP.
Section 321 (De minimus) - allows for import of goods valued under 800 USD.
IIT (Instruments of International Traffic) - used for empty racks and containers that cross the border in international transportation.
ATA Carnet - type of temporary import.
BRASS (Border Release Advanced Screening and Selectivity) - type of pre-clearance, can only be used by FAST-approved drivers. (phasing out)
Personal Shipment - used when non-commercial goods are transported by highway carriers.
Free of Duty - used for duty free merchandise not exceeding $2000 USD in value.
Returned American Products - type of informal entry that allows for the release of shipments of products of the United States being returned.
Goods Astray - used for the return to the U.S. of refused or undeliverable shipments or goods brought into Canada accidentally.
International Mail - used to report shipments of mail moving from a foreign postal service to the U.S. Postal Service.
Intangibles - used for the release of certain specific commodities including business records and articles returned from space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the common questions customers have. If you can't find the question you're looking for please contact us and reach out to our friendly support team.

: ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) is CBP's electronic manifest program. It is intended to facilitate trade while strengthening border security. Since 2007, highway carriers have had to comply with ACE eManifest requirements when bringing goods into the United States by filing an ACE eManifest at least one hour prior to arrival at the border. Learn More >
: To create and submit an new ACE Manifest and send it to CBP using BorderConnect you will first need to sign up to BorderConnect. Once completed. 1) On the top menu bar, under 'ACE eManifests', select 'Start New ACE eManifest'. 2) Enter the information on the Start New ACE Manifest Page, including your trip number, port of entry, ETA, driver, truck and trailer, and click 'Save' when finished. For more information click Learn More >
: The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is the system through which the trade community reports imports and exports and the government determines admissibility. CBP Trade applies expertise, technology, and automation to create streamlined and efficient processes to facilitate the global exchange of safe and legitimate goods. Learn More >
: Highway carriers that bring commercial goods into the United States are required to transmit ACE Manifest data to U.S. CBP at least one hour prior to arriving at the border. Carriers can file ACE through a service provider, such as BorderConnect, or through the ACE Secure Data Portal. Learn More >
: An ACE Manifest submitted to CBP can be submitted up to 30 days in advance of the driver arriving at the U.S. Port of Entry. It's also recommended to wait up to 1 hour before approaching the border, however it isn't a mandatory requirement. For FAST shipments drivers are recommended to wait up to 30 minutes before approaching the port of entry. Learn More >
: To register to use ACE Manifest, you will first need a valid SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) registered with NMFTA.org (National Motor Freight Traffic Association). Once you have a valid SCAC you can sign up to BorderConnect and use the portal free for 30-days! Learn More >
: Of course! We designed our software with the user in mind. We have many additional features within our software, such as quick-assigning drivers, trucks, trailer and shipment details. Fax or email leadsheets to drivers and more! What takes up to 10 minutes in the CBP ACE Data Portal, takes 1 minute in BorderConnect.
: No sweat! You can call one of our sales and support agents 24/7. We'll walk you through whatever issue your dealing with, and get your driver moving quickly!
: Although it technically isn't required to submit an ACE Manifest when crossing empty, we have started to see that specific ports are requiring carriers to process an ACE for empty loads. As such, we recommend filing an ACE Manifest when crossing empty.
: An ACE Manifest is for U.S. bound commercial shipments and usually filed with a PAPS shipment and sent to U.S. CBP. An ACI eManifest is the Canadian equivalent for filing (in most cases), PARS shipments and sent to CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency). Learn More >

Find Answers in the BorderConnect Support Wiki

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ACE Manifest Requirements

Learn what's required in order to cross commercially into the U.S.