Summer 2015: The account registration and export reports feature will be available. Filers and USPPI’s can begin registering for ACE accounts and request approval for access to their export data.
Fall 2015: The AESDirect application will be available for filer use. Those who have already registered for an ACE account will have access immediately and all others will need to submit an ACE account application form to access the new AESDirect filing system.
Early 2016 (tentatively): AESDirect EDI Upload and Weblink functionality will be deployed following the release of the AESDirect filing application.
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The new filing application will encompass all of the features inherent in both of the current online and offline filing applications (AESDirect and AESPcLink) as well as enhancements, to include: auto-save feature, saving partial shipments, saving complete shipments for later submission, option to view interface in Spanish, user administration and the creation of profiles and templates.
More hints as to what can be expected in the upcoming application are in a broadcast from US Customs and Border Protection.
The ITDS [International Trade Data System] will allow businesses to continue to transmit in the AES the transactional data required by dozens of U.S. executive departments and agencies for the exportation of cargo. In doing so, the platform on which AES resides will be the system for the export data exchange (or “single-window”). Although AES is currently mandatory to meet the export reporting requirements of the Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Industry and Security, and the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, businesses will soon be able to submit data in AES to satisfy requirements of other agencies that currently require reporting on paper. The ITDS single window concept will improve the costly and time-consuming process by allowing businesses to submit electronic data one time in AES.
The modernized information communication infrastructure provided by the ITDS will also enable improvements to current logistics and border management processes which would, in turn, simplify the export process and facilitate enforcement of U.S. trade, security, safety, and environmental laws. Agencies will have authorized access to accurate and timely electronic export data to better orchestrate reviews and develop common risk-management policies and systems. In addition, businesses will also have authorized access to their own data through the “single window” for recordkeeping and to ensure compliance.
Keep an eye out for announcements from the Census Bureau and Customs and Border Protection on the future of AESDirect.