The Automated Broker Interface (ABI) is a module of the Customs Automated Commercial System (ACS) which allows participants to transmit data electronically to CBP through ABI and to receive transmissions through ACS. Its purposes are to improve administrative efficiency, enhance enforcement of customs and related laws, lower costs and expedite the release of cargo.
(a) Participants for entry and entry summary purposes. Participants in ABI for the purposes of transmitting data relating to entry and entry summary may be:
(1) Customs brokers as defined in Sec. 111.1 of this chapter;
(2) Importers as defined in Sec. 101.1 of this chapter; and
(3) ABI service bureaus, that is, an individual, partnership, association or corporation which provides communications facilities and data processing services for brokers and importers, but which does not engage in the conduct of customs business as defined in Sec. 111.1 of this chapter.
(b) Participants for Importer Security Filing purposes. Any party may participate in ABI solely for the purposes of filing the Importer Security Filing pursuant to Sec. 149.2 of this chapter if that party fulfills the eligibility requirements contained in Sec. 149.5 of this chapter. If a party other than a customs broker as defined in Sec. 111.1 of this chapter or an importer as defined in 19 U.S.C. 1484 submits the Importer Security Filing, no portion of the Importer Security Filing can be used for entry or entry summary purposes pursuant to Sec. 149.5 of this chapter.
(c) Participants for other purposes. Upon approval by CBP, any party may participate in ABI for other purposes, including transmission of protests, forms relating to in-bond movements (CBP Form 7512), and applications for FTZ admission (CBP Form 214). [CBP Dec. 08-46, 73 FR 71782, Nov. 25, 2008]