The Automated Broker Interface or ABI program came about in the early 80's as a way to electronically connect importers and US Customs & Border Protection (CBP). Using ABI, importers, or their agents, can transmit data to and receive data from CBP regarding the importation of goods into the US. The catch with the ABI program is that the data must be submitted in a Customs-approved format — all of which can be found in the CATAIR, a definition document outling specific data and system requirements to be used by importers when communicating with CBP. ABI filerscan choose to use any computer hardware system to use for this connection, but they are responsible for all the equipment and software, and must ensure that the communications protocol as defined in the CATAIR is followed.
Some of the features of ABI are:
- Cargo Release — Available to operational entry summary filers when entry summary data is unavailable or summary data is not desired, this feature allows for data to be transmitted to Customs prior to the arrival of goods and errors can be corrected via ABI before the CBP Form 7501 is filed
- One Stop Quota — Allows ABI participants to transmit CBP Forms 3461 and 7501 data through ABI and send directly to an assigned import specialist to reduce the time from entry filing to when the goods are released
- OGA Interface — Communication with other government agencies (OGAs) is done electronically and eliminates the need for paper copies to be filed with various agencies
- Statement Processing — Pay multiple ABI entry summaries with one check or payment transaction, and then view a generated statement of summaries to review for additions or deletions before filing the final statement with Customs
- Electronic Payment — Use the Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) to directly pay Customs for fees, duties or taxes via an electronic transaction
- Drawback Claims — Submit drawback claims to Customs via ABI to ensure the data is quickly and accurately recorded in ACS, resulting in faster processing and issuance of payment
- Administrative Messages — Allows for Customs to communicate directly with ABI participants on an individual, specific port, or general basis
The benefits of participating in the ABI program, according to the CBP website, include:
- Expedited cargo release
- Electronic transmission, validation, confirmation, and correction for entry summaries
- Payment options such as daily statement and electronic payment through ACH
- Validated duties, taxes, and fees
- Interactive communication with Customs
- Courtesy notices of liquidation, extension, and suspension
- Consolidated reports under the National Importer Liquidation Program
- Error statistics available monthly
- Timely tariff updates
- Query capabilities
- Uniform entry summary processing
Looking for more resources on Automated Broker Interface?
See our list of
ABI Resources below |
|
