CSEC eBond FAQ: Helpful Information
October 2, 2014

Roanoke Trade, as member of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP), represents NASBP on the Customs Surety Executive Committee (CSEC). Members of CSEC collaborated to compile an FAQ and related documents at the request of the National Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association (NCBFAA). This FAQ document and appendices are posted for general information purposes. Please read the FAQ/appendices in their entirety to gain a clear understanding of what they represent and how they were formulated. Although the FAQ was prepared at the request of the NCBFAA, the posting of these documents does not imply endorsement of the data requirements by NCBFAA or any customs broker association.

Roanoke will accept a customs broker’s eSTB transmissions conforming to the CSEC element listing but will also accommodate eSTB filings via FastBond™. If you are interested in an eSTB transmission with Roanoke, please contact Jennifer Rome at jennifer.rome@roanoketrade.com for more information.

Roanoke was one of the first in the industry to suggest eBond over 25 years ago and has participated in numerous conferences and update efforts. We continue that proud history as the industry moves forward technologically. Stay tuned to Roanoke for updates on eBond as they unfold.

We’re off to the Races! Roanoke Sends FIRST SUCCESSFUL Data Transmission to CBP!
September 5, 2014

Nearly 30 years ago, Roanoke was one of the first in the industry to suggest an electronic customs bond (eBond). Over the last several years, we have worked long and hard alongside with Customs and Border Protection (CPB), customs brokers, software vendors and other sureties to develop the concept of eBond. The first day of eBond data transmission testing opened on September 3rd with CBP, and we sent the very first successful data transmission! We know that there will still be many hurdles to cross with the implementation of eBond, but it feels good to be first, and to be a leader in this industry. 

We would like to extend a special ‘thank you’ to our clients and numerous employees for their contributions toward this important effort. We are all connected with the mutual goal of success, and it is great to see those objectives realized. 

As always, we invite you to contact our offices with any questions or comments that you may have regarding this impending transition by emailing us at infospot@roanokegroup.com or by calling 1-800-ROANOKE. Additionally, if you would like to learn more about the eBond process and Roanoke’s involvement, we invite you to listen to a previously recorded eBond webinar, narrated by Colleen Clarke and Jennifer Rome, by clicking here.

Important eBond Survey for our Valued Customers
April 3, 2014

Roanoke Trade is reaching out to our customs broker clients regarding the data transmission options available to proceed with eBond. By viewing the below communication, you will learn about the additional background information on eBond. 

Please have our survey answered by a technical staff member with knowledge of the transmission of ACE/ABI entry data to CBP.

We appreciate your time and response. Roanoke Trade is continuously active in advocating for the international and domestic trade community and finding solutions for our clients to work more effectively. If you have any questions regarding this survey, or any other related subject, please contact us via email or call 1-800-ROANOKE to speak with a service representative.

eBond in ACE: Why is it Important to the Customs Broker Community?
March 20, 2014

Background
The eBond concept has been discussed by CBP, the surety industry and the customs broker community since the mid 1980’s.  A 2011 DHS audit report essentially mandated that CBP centralize STB filing. This is achievable only via an eBond system.  After decades of discussion, many industry members may be skeptical that eBond will happen. However, CBP’s current level of urgency means that the time has come for the industry to embrace eBond. There will be no paper alternative for bond filing once CBP mandates ACE use for entries in November 2015. 

Why Is This Important?
The development of eBond began in ACE Increment 5 on February 5, 2014. The filing of eSTBs will become mandatory for all ACE entries on January 3, 2015. ACE is scheduled to become the system of record for all entry filing in November 2015.  It is vital that you work with your software vendor to ensure readiness for ACE entry filing by the deadline.

The eBond Process
In the eBond environment, the submission of all bond data to CBP will be via the surety. The surety industry has tentatively identified a standard set of STB data elements to approve a bond.  Prior to entry filing, the customs broker sends STB data to the surety, who then sends the approved bond to CBP. Upon acceptance, CBP sends official notification to the surety and a courtesy notification to the designated Secondary Notify Party (broker). The broker then transmits the entry in ACE.  Release follows the matching (validation) of the bond/entry data in ACE.   

For continuous bonds, the customs broker files bond data with CBP via our existing bond issuing platform, FastBond™.  Instead of printing a bond, you simply enter the data into FastBond™, which in turn handles the transmission to CBP.  Continuous bond filing and CBP approval should become virtually immediate.

Issuing Authority
Customs brokers have issuing authority enabling them to file the vast majority of bonds required by their importer clients.  We realize that bonds are a very important revenue stream to brokers. The authority you have today will be the authority you will have in the electronic world.  We will not permit eBond to change that.

Benefits of eBond for All Parties
Bond issuance capability will be 24/7 and an electronic transmission of STB data will expedite the release of cargo.  Also, ACE eSTB entries are eligible for RLF. Continuous bonds will be filed and accepted almost immediately. For CBP, eBond facilitates full customs bond centralization while furnishing the added benefit of explicit acknowledgment of liability by surety.  Surety processing becomes more orderly and efficient.  It reinforces relationships for all parties.

Moving Forward
CBP is serious and committed to meeting the deadline. In November 2015, all entries must be filed in ACE. The deadline is fast approaching, therefore, it is imperative to plan and work with your software vendor to ensure you will be ready when ACS is decommissioned.  

Contact us at infospot@roanokegroup.com to learn more. We will be providing periodic updates as CBP moves further along with eBond development in the coming months.