Can anyone submit prior notice through ACS/ABI?
[Response updated April 2004] No. CBP allows submissions through ABI/ACS only by authorized participants (19 CFR 143.1). Individuals can contract with a broker to transmit prior notice for them. In this case, the submitter is the person responsible for providing the information, but the broker is the transmitter. Brokers are licensed private individuals or companies that are regulated by CBP and who aid importers and exporters to move merchandise through CBP, including often filing entry of the merchandise with CBP. Brokers provide the proper paperwork and payments to CBP for clients and charge a fee for this service. Before brokers apply for a license, they must pass the Customs broker examination. See:http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/import/broker_management/brokers.xml Filers are required to submit a written request to CBP port personnel for a filer code, which is subsequently assigned by CBP headquarters. See: Chapter 10 pp. 73-76, http://www.cbp.gov/ImageCache/cgov/content/import/br
