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Filing APHIS Core Message Set Data

in ACE

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The U.S. government uses the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) to process

imports and exports. ACE streamlines import and export processes by allowing

businesses to submit required data electronically. This page includes all the

resources you’ll need to get started.

If you choose not to use ACE, you may provide APHIS-required import information in

paper form. However, this may result in slower customs review and additional costs.

Get Started Using the APHIS Core Message Set in

ACE

1. Make sure you're familiar with APHIS import requirements and whether your

product needs a permit. This includes knowing whether you need to file a Lacey

Act declaration. There is a separate message set for filing Lacey Act

declarations.

2. Choose a software that supports the APHIS Core Message Set and make sure

you have technical support as well. APHIS’ data requirements may change over

time, and you may need updates or technical support from your software
vendor. View the list of approved software vendors.

3. Familiarize yourself with the guidance and resources on this page.

APHIS Core Message Set Questions and Answers

We’ve answered frequently asked questions on a range of APHIS Core Message Set

topics.

If you don't see your question answered here, contact the APHIS Core Message Set

Help Desk at 1-833-481-2102. Select option 1 for new inquiries or option 2 for

existing inquiries with a reference ticket. You can also submit questions by e-mail to

ace.itds@usda.gov.

View Frequently Asked Questions

Using ACE and the APHIS Core Message Set

APHIS Core Message Set Instructional Videos

Watch these videos to learn how to submit an APHIS Core Message Set for APHISregulated commodities.

These webinars were recorded in 2020. Some coding may have changed since then.

Please refer to the APHIS Core Implementation Guide, the APHIS Trade Supplemental

Guide, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection ACE webpage for the most up-todate information.

APHIS Core Message Set Overview

Fruits and Vegetables

Animal Products

Cut Flowers and Plants for Planting

Miscellaneous and Processed Products

Seeds Not for Planting

APHIS Core Message Set Tools and Resources

We've put together the following tools and resources to help users submit an APHIS

Core Message Set in ACE.
When To Submit an APHIS Core Message Set

Look up commodities by CBP entry type or tariff code to determine when an APHIS

Core Message Set is required.

When To Submit an APHIS Core Message Set, by Entry Type

Harmonized Tariff Code Master Correlation Table for the APHIS Core Message

Set

Electronic Phytosanitary Certification

Find out which U.S. trading partners are sending or receiving ePhytos and how to

submit an ePhyto within the APHIS Core Message Set.

Countries Participating in Electronic Phytosanitary Certification

Submitting an Electronic Phytosanitary Certificate in the APHIS Core Message

Set

Generally Authorized Non-Propagative Plant Products

View the list of generally authorized non-propagative plant products that don’t

require an import permit or have to meet any APHIS requirements.

Commodity Name Validation Lists

Look up genus, species, subspecies, and common names for the following

commodities:

Propagative Material Name Validation List

Fruit and Vegetable Name Validation List

Cut Flower Name Validation List

ACE Resources From U.S. Customs and Border Protection

If you haven't used ACE before, these resources from the U.S. Customs and Border

Protection (CBP) can help.

ACE and Automated Systems

ACE Frequently Asked Questions
ACE Automated Broker Interface and CBP and Trade Automated Interface

Requirements

To access the APHIS Core implementation guide, click on “Chapters: PGA

Message Set” and scroll down to “Implementation Guidelines: Ready for

Coding.”

ACE Appendix PGA

Appendix C - Tariff Abbreviations

Appendix R: Intended Use Codes for ACE

ACE PGA Forms List - Imports

ABI Software Vendors List

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Need help with a different trade-related issue?

Visit Our Trade Contacts Directory