What Is the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)?

ACE allows businesses to electronically 

submit the import data required by U.S. 

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and 

its partner Government agencies, including 

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection 

Service (APHIS).

ACE automates and streamlines manual 

processes, eliminating paper.

The new system will allow importers to 

comply with U.S. laws and regulations more 

easily and efficiently.

The Automated 

Commercial Environment

Filers are responsible for developing or 

acquiring the software needed to support 

the functional aspects of ACE, including the 

preparation, electronic filing, and, as necessary, 

printing of required forms.

Government-to-Government 

certificates—phytosanitary and 

veterinary certificates—must still 

be presented in their original 

paper format. 

ACE IS AVAILABLE FOR USE NOW.

ACE is currently optional for those importing APHIS-regulated products. Because ACE will eventually become 

mandatory, we encourage importers to contact their broker to learn more and start using it as soon as possible.

Why Should I Use ACE?

Accuracy

ACE allows CBP and 

APHIS to collect 

more complete and 

accurate data, providing 

more control over 

products entering the 

United States.

Speed 

ACE speeds up 

entry processing,

streamlining the 

process and allowing 

products to be 

released quickly. 

Validation

If the data does not 

pass validations or if 

certain data is missing, 

filers receive an error 

response, allowing 

them to correct errors 

before they delay the 

release of a shipment.

For more information, email us at ace.itds@aphis.usda.gov.

Improvement

ACE gives importers 

the chance to 

troubleshoot and 

improve their 

own processes.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
How To Get Started With ACE

The Automated Commercial 

Environment (ACE) is a single portal 

system designed to electronically 

collect and distribute import data that 

the U.S. Department of Homeland 

Security’s Customs and Border 

Protection (CBP) and its partner 

Government agencies (PGAs) require. 

USE ACE

USE PAPER

for import information on commodities 

regulated by USDA's Animal and Plant 

Health Inspection Service (APHIS) that 

require entry documentation—certain 

animal and plant products, germplasm, soil, 

among others.

for Government-to-Government 

certificates, such as phytosanitary and 

veterinary health certificates. 

CBP uses ACE to collect import data

traditionally collected on paper, consolidating 

it and adding data elements into what are 

known as message sets. 

GETTING STARTED WITH ACE DEPENDS ON WHETHER OR NOT YOU USE A BROKER.

ACE OR PAPER?

If you have a BROKER

+

If you are a SELF-FILER

1

Contact your broker to determine if they are able 

to electronically file APHIS import data through 

ACE. CBP works with 47 PGAs, all with unique needs, 

so it is important to verify that your broker has the 

ability to file APHIS-specific import data in message 

set formats.

2

If the broker is not prepared to submit APHIS-required 

data through the message set, they will need to work 

with an ACE-approved software vendor to obtain 

the appropriate software. 

3 For each shipment you will need to provide your 

broker with all the required documentation so they 

can file the relevant information through ACE.

4

If you have questions about APHIS import 

requirements, go to APHIS’ import/export web page at 

www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/importexport or 

call the Customer Service Center at 1-844-820-2234.

5 If your broker has technical questions about filing 

APHIS data in ACE, email the APHIS ACE team at 

ace.itds@aphis.usda.gov.

1

If you do not wish to use a third-party broker to file 

import data through ACE on your behalf, you must 

obtain the appropriate software to file APHIS data 

in ACE.

2

If you choose to purchase software, make sure the 

software is approved for submitting data to ACE.

You can find a list of ACE-approved software vendors 

at www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/abi-softwarevendors-list.

3

When contacting a vendor, you must ensure their 

software supports APHIS import data requirements.

ACE services 47 PGAs, so it is important that any 

software you purchase supports APHIS’ unique needs.

4

When choosing a software vendor, make sure 

your purchase includes technical support. ACE 

data requirements will change over time, and 

software vendors will need to provide updates and 

technical support.

5

If you have questions about APHIS import 

requirements, go to APHIS’ import/export web page at 

www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/importexport or 

call the Customer Service Center at 1-844-820-2234.

6 If you have technical questions about filing 

APHIS data in ACE, email the APHIS ACE team at 

ace.itds@aphis.usda.gov.

7

If you choose not to file ACE data electronically, 

you will need to provide all your import information 

in paper form, which may result in slower customs 

review and increased costs due to: longer review 

time for paper submissions, potential for lost and/or 

delayed paperwork, and inability to anticipate issues. 

For more information, email us at ace.itds@aphis.usda.gov.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity 

provider, employer, and lender.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

PPQ-18-002