By the end of 2016, the Automated Commercial Environment will become the primary system by which the trade community will report imports and exports — and how the government will determine goods admissibility. ACE’s automation will bring about many positives, including enhanced border security, streamlined processes, paperless transactions and greater visibility. The transition carries many new regulatory and processing requirements, but, overall, the revamping is a major positive for the country and the trade community.
The challenge for many technology vendors will be to develop solutions that assist businesses in complying with the ACE regulations. QuestaWeb long ago addressed this challenge and has been an active participant in Customs and Border Protection’s pilot program since 2009, adhering to its implementation milestones. For us and other vendors ahead of the curve, 2016 will be a time of acquiring Customs certification for our ACE solutions and assisting importers, exporters, brokers, forwarders and even foreign trade zone operators in implementing Customs-certified ACE technology. Undoubtedly, it will be a hectic time for global trade management software providers, as we bring businesses online before the Customs deadline.
For importers, exporters, brokers and forwarders not prepared for ACE and just now realizing that their legacy systems cannot accommodate ACE requirements, much due diligence — and education — lie ahead. Now, more than ever before, acquiring technology built on a Web-native platform will be critical. Such technology affords broad access across companies and their supply chain members, promoting user-friendly compliance while affording secure transmissions, mobility and flexibility. Further, ACE requirements will undoubtedly evolve as industry experience with the system grows. Again, Web-based technology will simplify software modifications and the addition of new functionality.
2016 will be a challenging time for technology vendors and the many clients they serve. Yet, the benefits and efficiencies ACE will bring are well worth the effort.