CBP Automates ACE Portal Importer Account Applications Update

CBP Automates ACE Portal Importer Account Applications

We are re-sending these instructions to strongly encourage all importers to sign up for their own ACE portal importer account to ensure timely access to entry information.

This will be critical in the event that the IEEPA duties are overturned by the Supreme Court. Customs brokers will be inundated with client requests for entry information. To help you expedite this process, you will be able to log into your own ACE portal and pull all required reports and entry data in a timely manner.

Having direct access will help reduce delays in filing for refunds and eliminate the need to wait in line for your customs broker to retrieve this information on your behalf, a service that will be associated with additional costs if required.

Why You Should Set Up an ACE Portal Account

The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is CBP’s online system for managing all import and export transactions. Having an ACE Secure Data Portal account provides importers with direct access to their own customs data especially when using more than one service provider.

Key Benefits

1. Full Visibility of All Entries especially if using multiple Customs brokers.
2. Access to Duty, Tax, and Refund Information
3. Improved Compliance and Control
4. Data Reporting and Analytics
5. Faster Communication with CBP
6. Supports Future Automation and Integration

• ACE is the foundation for many CBP and Partner Government Agency (PGA) systems — having an account positions your company for future automation and trade initiatives.

Effective Date: October 30, 2025

Agency: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

🚀 What Changed

CBP has automated the process for applying for a new Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal) top account.

👥 Who This Affects

• Trade parties that already have a CBP Form 5106 (Importer ID Input Record) on file with CBP
• But do not yet have access to an ACE Portal account

These users should now use the new automated ACE Portal application tool instead of submitting manual requests.

First, be sure you have confirmed your company is not already set up with an ACE account with CBP.

🌐 Where to Apply

You can apply using the new automated tool here:

Applying for an ACE Secure Data Portal Account | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

(The link is also available on CBP’s “Applying for an ACE Portal Account” webpage.)

Once you are on the website for the ACE Portal look for Step 3: Apply and click on the Importers hyperlink to bring you to the online application to start.

📘 Training Materials

CBP has also published a step-by-step guide to help users with the new process:

Automated ACE Portal Account Application for Importers | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

If you have any additional questions regarding setting up your own ACE account, please contact your Western Overseas representative for assistance.