ACE Portal: What U.S. Importers Need to Know

The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s official online platform for managing U.S. import activity. It serves as a single digital gateway for trade data, filings, payments, refunds, and compliance visibility.

For importers, ACE provides greater transparency, improved financial management, and direct insights into customs activity – even when a broker files entries on your behalf.

The ACE Portal allows importers to:

• Centralize all import data and customs filings.
• View entries and cargo status in real time.
• Monitor compliance and reporting activity.
• Communicate directly with CBP through electronic notices.

Effective February 6, 2026, CBP will issue all refunds electronically via ACH. Paper refund checks will no longer be issued.

To receive refunds, importers must:

• Have access to the ACE Portal.
• Enroll in ACH Refunds within ACE.
• Provide valid U.S. bank account information.

Foreign entities may need to open a U.S. bank account or work through a designated U.S.- based broker to receive refunds.

While brokers can file entries on an importer’s behalf, direct ACE access allows importers to:

• Monitor filings and shipment activity in real time.
• Review compliance and bond sufficiency.
• Access refunds directly.
• Grant or manage broker data access

Because ACE is the system CBP uses for all trade processing, importer access is increasingly essential for visibility and control.

Our team helps importers navigate:

• ACE access and enrollment
• ACH Payments and refund setup
• Refund authorization and compliance visibility

We’re here to guide you through the process and help ensure your setup supports efficient, compliant importing.

Questions or ready to get started? Let’s connect, we’re happy to help.