US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will deploy functionality to integrate Electronic Phytosanitary Certificates (ePhyto) into the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) on September 26, 2020. This change will help automate phytosanitary certificates by using the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in ACE as the new channel for submission.
According to a September 4, 2020, “Trade User Information Notice” published by CBP, “Once an ePhyto number is filed as part of the APHIS Core PGA message set, the “original” certificate will be automatically available to CBP ACE Users without the need for the importer to submit a copy of the certificate.” The new process will not impact shipments that originate in countries that do not participate in ePhyto.
As a reminder, the “APHIS Core” deadline for filing in ACE has been delayed until January 2021. Additional resources regarding phytosanitary certificates in ACE are available in the Trade User Information Notice or by contacting Deringer’s Compliance Department.