81 FR 60022 - Electronic Collection and Transfer of Import Information: Cessation of PGA Message Set Pilot Program

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 169 (August 31, 2016)

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announces cessation of the pilot program that tested the transfer of data between the Participating Government Agency (PGA) Message Set in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and ATF's Web-based data analytics system. ACE is the Web-based portal for the collection and use of international trade data maintained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The PGA Message Set is the data related to merchandise regulated by an agency, such as ATF, that CBP will receive electronically from importers for its use as well as for the PGA's use. The data enables ATF to determine the actual items imported. Although this notice announces the cessation of the pilot program, the mandatory filing date for filing entries in ACE has yet to be determined.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 169 (Wednesday, August 31, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Page 60022]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20939]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives

[Docket No. ATF 2015R-15]


Electronic Collection and Transfer of Import Information: 
Cessation of PGA Message Set Pilot Program

AGENCY: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department 
of Justice.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) 
announces cessation of the pilot program that tested the transfer of 
data between the Participating Government Agency (PGA) Message Set in 
the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and ATF's Web-based data 
analytics system. ACE is the Web-based portal for the collection and 
use of international trade data maintained by U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection (CBP). The PGA Message Set is the data related to 
merchandise regulated by an agency, such as ATF, that CBP will receive 
electronically from importers for its use as well as for the PGA's use. 
The data enables ATF to determine the actual items imported. Although 
this notice announces the cessation of the pilot program, the mandatory 
filing date for filing entries in ACE has yet to be determined.

DATES: This notice is effective on August 31, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William E. Majors, Chief, Firearms and 
Explosives Imports Branch, Firearms and Explosives Services Division, 
Enforcement Programs and Services; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms 
and Explosives; U.S. Department of Justice; 244 Needy Road, 
Martinsburg, WV 25401; telephone (304) 616-4589, fax: (304) 616-4551, 
or email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ATF participated in a voluntary CBP pilot 
program of the International Trade Data System (ITDS) involving the use 
of the PGA Message Set in ACE. See 80 FR 45548 (July 30, 2015). The 
pilot allowed importers to submit required data to CBP through ACE for 
the purposes of obtaining CBP release and receipt. CBP validated that 
information electronically, and electronically transmitted entry and 
release information to ATF for purposes of satisfying certification 
requirements. The pilot program confirmed the efficiency and 
effectiveness of digitizing traditional, manual paperwork. While the 
pilot has been suspended, the mandatory filing date for filing entries 
in ACE has yet to be determined.
    Importers should be aware that no changes have been made to the 
requirement that importers submit their copy of the Form 6A (with 
Sections I and III completed) to ATF within 15 days of release from CBP 
custody.

Thomas E. Brandon,
ATF Deputy Director.
[FR Doc. 2016-20939 Filed 8-30-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4410-FY-P