How ACE will streamline the plant import process

A large-scale reform of the importing and exporting process is nearing completion, and the brokers handling plant imports can expect some changes by the end of 2016.

In early 2014, President Obama’s signed Executive Order 13659, Streamlining the Export/Import Process for America’s Businesses. The order mandated the completion of the International Trade Data System (ITDS) Single Window by Dec. 31, 2016.

In its current state, importing and exporting is a complex process involving 48 different government agencies and approximately 200 forms. Before the modernization effort began, the system was largely manual and paper-based, and required information to be keyed into multiple electronic systems. As a result, importers and exporters were often required to submit the same data to multiple agencies at multiple times, which is costly and time consuming for both the government and the international trade community.

The goal of the ‘Single Window’ is to create a simpler, more efficient experience. The system, which will be run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will streamline processes, data, and systems through which imports and exports are received. In the case of plant imports, it should also equip the federal agencies with better analysis capabilities, including the ability to track and address quarantine pest and plant health concerns more quickly.

To make the “single window” a reality, CBP has transitioned to a new data system known as the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). This system is used to collect, process, and track data for imports/exports. ACE is the system, the single window through which all data must run. All main trade processing capabilities in ACE will be available by the end of the year. Once fully operational, ACE will provide a single, centralized access point to connect CBP, partner government agencies, and the trade.

Paper is the past

In the past, the plant importing process has been paper-based, says Craig Regelbrugge, senior vice president of industry advocacy and research at AmericanHort. An import permit and phytosanitary certificate were necessary. When live plants or propagative material arrive in the U.S., they are directed to a USDA-APHIS Plant Inspection Station for inspection and clearance.

“In the short term, the one thing that still remains ‘paper’ is the original, government-issued phyto,” Regelbrugge says. “Everything else will be electronic and if the system works as intended, it should ultimately be smoother. The concerns are in the transition.”

The transition has been occurring throughout the year. The USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) completed its pilot program in August for core users. Lacey Act imports have been using the system since June.

Most plant imports are handled through customs brokers or other trade facilitators, who would be the ones most likely to work with the software providers in the interest of simplifying the interface for uploading data on plant consignments into ACE.

“We know the transition to ACE means additional work for you and may seem complicated, but we also know that once that work is complete, electronic filing will save you time and money,” wrote APHIS associate administrator Michael Gregoire in a June update on the ACE adoption process.

Linda Guy is co-owner of Plants Nouveau, a new plant introduction and marketing company. Her company helps connect plant breeders with growers, and when a client is overseas, Plants Nouveau uses a broker or agent when importing into the U.S. and Canada. She has spent some time looking into ACE in an effort to better understand the impact it will have on her broker/agents, as well as Plants Nouveau.

“Like most new software changes, this will take some time to get used to,” she says. “ACE is a government mandated program that leaves no alternative. So over time, we will all learn how to comply.”

To learn more about ACE, including a FAQ on permits and more details about how it changes the inspection process, read the full story in our October issue.

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