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  • 11 Apr 2016
  • USA
  • AESDirect EDI
  • VPN Filing
  • AESDirect System
  • ACE

AESDirect EDI & VPN Filing in 2016: Preparing for Legacy AESDirect System Phase Out

The legacy AESDirect system will be phased out in spring 2016, so it is very important to choose the right transition option for your company as early as possible.

 

The Automated Export System (AESDirect) is now available in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE Single Window) for export filers, signaling the start of the transition from the legacy application to the new refactored system. Anyone with an ACE Exporter Account can start filing using AESDirect in ACE. While still in the transition phase, both legacy AESDirect and ACE AESDirect are available for portal and bulk upload filing.

 

For companies filing electronic export information (EEI) directly to AES via electronic data interchange (EDI) and value-added networks (VANs), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has published a transition guide. If your company files EEI via EDI/VPN directly to AES, here’s what you need to know:

 

  • ·Software developers and companies that send EDI through the legacy AESDirect application require some changes to the old process. Make sure that you have ACE exporter access to file using the new system. For EDI/VPN filers without ACE Exporter Accounts, you must register to ensure business continuity.

 

  • The legacy AESDirect system will be phased out in spring 2016, so it’s a good idea to prepare for the transition as soon as possible. One of the first crucial steps is choosing the right transition option for your company. Companies and developers that need assistance during the transition period can work directly with Census Bureau and CBP staff for support.

 

 

There are several EDI filing options under ACE AESDirect:

 

1. EDI Bulk Upload

 

Bulk upload has been available in the AESDirect Portal since November 2015. This means that export filers can now upload files (AESTIR or X12 format) from their computer and submit to the AESDirect Portal for processing. Users will receive Internal Transaction Numbers (ITNs) via email, and each batch of EEI can be viewed, edited and reviewed in the system.

 

Requirement: ACE Exporter Account

 

2. AESDirect Transmission via VPN (Virtual Private Network)

 

Sending EEI directly to AESDirect via a VPN client will no longer be supported once the legacy system is refactored into ACE. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) only supports its approved VPN client, which is available for free during the transition. Find out which VPN method is right for your company.

 

Requirements:

Letter of Intent (LOI) – Complete the LOI online to have a CBP client representative assigned to your company. The CBP representative will start the VPN connectivity process with DHS and evaluate your ability to send EEI to the CBP’s test certification area before you can send live data to the new system.

 

Develop or purchase application or software – You must develop your own software or buy software from a vendor to be able to send EEI via VPN. A list of software vendors can be found here: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/documentlibrary/vendors.html

 

Interconnection Security Agreement (ISA) – Complete the ISA. Instructions can be found here: http://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/interconnection-security-agreement/instructions

 

3. AESDirect Transmission via VAN (Value-Added Network)

 

Value Added Networks allow clients to transmit data to CBP via secure methods such as HTTPs, FTP, MQ over IP, VPN and others. VANs also feature data conversion and message translation for data compatibility with CPB trade systems.

 

Requirement:

Letter of Intent (LOI) – Complete the LOI online to have a CBP representative assigned to your company. The CBP representative will start the VPN connectivity process with DHS and evaluate your ability to send EEI to the CBP’s test certification area before you can send live data to the new system. ISA is not required.

 

4. AESDirect Transmission via a Service Center or Service Provider

 

Companies can choose an indirect connection to CBP via a service center or service provider. CBP defines a service center as the party that acts on behalf of the client to send EEI and transaction information to AESDirect. The client pays the service center a fee to send the trade data to CBP using the center’s own MQ servicer and network connection.

 

Requirement:

Letter of Intent (LOI) – Complete the LOI online to be activated for the service center you choose to work with. ISA or testing is not required. You can find a list of service centers here:

http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/documentlibrary/vendors.html

You can find the LOI here:

http://www.cbp.gov/trade/aes/letter-intent/form-commodity-data

 

 

Key Dates to Remember

 

November 2015: AESDirect is now in ACE. Bulk upload is available for companies with ACE Exporter Account access.

 

December 17, 2015: Webinar and live Q&A session for developers and companies that use EDI or VPN to send data to AESDirect. Call-in information will be broadcast directly to registered groups based on information in AESDirect.

 

Spring 2016: EDI filing options through aesdirect.census.gov will end, requiring EDI filers to switch to a new EDI in the ACE platform. Transitioning to the new system requires ACE Exporter account access regardless of method of filing.

 

 

CrimsonLogic AES Solutions for EDI/VPN Filers

 

All trade participants that want to continue sending data to AESDirect via EDI must work with a CBP-approved Value Added Network or service provider like CrimsonLogic. CrimsonLogic is a leading logistics service provider offering comprehensive e-trade management, customs connectivity, logistics process outsourcing and trade intelligence services to global clients.

 

CrimsonLogic offers flexible solutions for companies that want to send export information via EDI or VPN to the refactored ACE AESDirect system. With CrimsonLogic’s ACE solutions for the web and integration with third party systems, your company can transmit EEI to CBP quickly and securely, reduce errors and duplication, improve productivity and efficiency, and comply with record-keeping requirements. Contact usto learn more.

 

 

 

Related Pages:

USA Single Window

ACE Highway

ACE Air

ACE Marine

Automated Export System (AES)