For US importers a connection with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a requirement to share the various data elements required to move goods into the US territory. Making this connection requires not only knowing the right format in which to communicate to CBP, but also being able to maintain the most recent version because the Customs and Trade Automated Interface Requirements (CATAIR) is known to change. Integration Point ABI software provides importers with the tools to connect and share data directly with CBP without requiring additional investment in hardware or resources.

Using the various features of the Integration Point ABI software, filers can be assured they are meeting the reporting requirements of CBP.

• Importer Security Filing (ISF) or 10+2 — Collects the necessary data from various supply chain sources into a single format and identifies discrepancies before transmitting to CBP
• 3461/7501 Entry Filings — Performs necessary actions to collect data on foreign goods entering the US commerce and files either the one-step process of certifying on summary or two-step entry and then entry summary procedure
• Electronic Bonded Movement — Handles all types of In-Bond movements, including QP/WP and QX/WX, while reducing costs and shipment processing time
• e214 — Processes receipts into an FTZ and files the e214 for all FTZ Admissions as well as the electronic Permit to Transfer (ePTT)
• ACH Payment & Query — Allows ABI filers to pay Customs duties, taxes and fees in one transaction, then provides the ability to query the account for payment history

Integration Point works as a service center for connecting filers to CBP. Integration Point ABI software takes the necessary data such as advanced manifest and product information for the Importer Security Filing (10+2) or imported products and related duty, taxes and fee information on the CBP Form 7501, and melds it into the required format designated by CBP before submission takes place.

Using a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technology, Integration Point ABI software provides filers with an integrated process to quickly connect to CBP without a large investment in hardware and other internal resources. When the CATAIR changes, Integration Point is automatically updated, collects the newly required information, and then begins transmitting data in the new format to CBP immediately - providing filers with the most up-to-date connection to file their data.

With Integration Point ABI software, data entered into the system is validated against up-to-date regulatory content from over 140 countries to ensure high compliance rates for the importer. This validation is done through an integration with Global Trade Content — another Integration Point solution. By decreasing rejections due to bad data, importers ensure not only successful completion of required forms but also keep goods moving through the supply chain. For importers wanting to be a successful filer, which includes not only having the right connection but including up-to-date content, then Integration Point ABI software is the answer.

By automating the ABI filing process, companies can communicate easily with CBP while reducing costs. Benefits of ABI automation include the ability to:

• Increase filing speed by submitting forms directly to CBP
• View status of transactions in real-time allowing for quick corrections and resubmission to CBP
• Eliminate duplicate data entry and errors due to manual re-keying
• Utilize templates to decrease the time needed to enter similar data on various filings
• Query ABI to get updated information such as manifest status
• Utilize electronic filing of all In-Bond movements including the newly released air In-Bond or QX/WX capability
• Validate data each time and quickly see errors that need to be corrected and resubmitted
• Pay multiple ABI entry summaries via one check or through an Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) transaction

As part of the Integration Point Global Trade Management solution, companies can easily utilize other Integration Point products such as 10+2, Entry Visibility, Global Trade Content, Free Trade Agreements and Global Classification to manage the entire importing exporting process in one single, web-based solution.

For more information on how Integration Point Automated Broker Interface (ABI) Software can assist your company in electronic communications with US CBP, send us an email or complete our on-line request form.