DIS ITN validation for EEI submissions (CBP-255): ACE PROD Oct 8

CBP has deployed Document Image System (DIS) validation of the Internal Transaction Number (ITN) for Electronic Export Information (EEI) submissions (CBP-255) to ACE CERT. CSMS #69827440 sets PROD for October 8, 2026. After cutover, ACE will reject invalid or improperly formatted ITNs on DIS submissions.

CBP-255: ACE validates ITN on DIS EEI submissions via EDI or email. Invalid/improper format rejects with “Submitted ITN is invalid or the format is invalid”. PROD October 8, 2026.

What CBP-255 changes

CBP’s stated goal is efficiency when reviewing required EEI: fewer bad ITNs in the queue, fewer export processing delays. Operationally, the ITN on the DIS package must match the AES export transaction exactly (value and format). Close-but-not-exact will not pass.

Practical steps before October 8

• Verify ITN against AES: Confirm the ITN on each DIS EEI package is the same string AES issued for that export transaction.
• Regression-test EDI and email paths: Exercise both DIS submission channels your shop uses. Invalid ITNs should surface the reject message and stop the package.
• Pull the updated DIS IG: CBP updated the ACE DIS Implementation Guide under CATAIR “Chapters: Current Capabilities.” Related notes cover the Document Submission Package ITN data element and general guidelines for documents submitted to DIS via email (notes in that section were renumbered).
• Ignore the internal-only label codes for this change: The same IG update also adds three Document Label Codes for internal government use only. CBP says those are unrelated to CBP-255.

This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Drawback eligibility depends on your specific facts, and final refunds are determined by CBP at liquidation. Consult a licensed customs broker or attorney for your situation.