In a Federal Register notice published on February 4, 2015, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is extending the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Partner Government Agency (PGA) Message Set to include electronic transmissions of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notices of arrival (NOA) for pesticides and devices.

According to the notice, “The electronic NOA will be filed once through the single window with both EPA and CBP for pre-arrival using the PGA Message Set. This will eliminate these separate paperwork filings to both agencies for participating importers and as a result, reduce the overall paperwork burden on the importer and port associated with these EPA regulated shipments.”

The modified test, which is set to begin no earlier than April 15, 2015, currently only includes ocean and rail modes of transportation. However, truck and air shipments are expected to be added at a later stage.

The process and procedures for participation remain unchanged. Comments can be submitted throughout the duration of the pilot.

The Federal Register notice can be accessed here