Automated Commercial Environment
The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is the electronic system US Customs and Border Protection uses to process imports and exports, receiving entry filings, ISF data, partner agency information, and duty payments.
Why it matters for ecommerce brands
Your own ACE portal account shows you, directly from CBP, what was filed and paid under your importer number, and it now controls whether refunds reach you. Since February 6, 2026, CBP issues nearly all refunds electronically, so you must apply for ACH refunds in ACE and add a US bank account. For example, an importer owed $40,000 in IEEPA duty refunds receives nothing until that bank information is on file. ACE reports also let you check every entry, duty line, and fee against broker invoices, which catches overbilling and filing errors.
Origin
CBP built the Automated Commercial Environment from the early 2000s to replace older systems, and in 2016 made it the mandatory single window for electronic entry filings.
Common questions
- Can an importer access ACE without a customs broker?
- Yes. Importers can request an ACE portal account to view their own entry data, payments, and reports. Filing entries electronically, however, is usually done by a licensed customs broker or a self-filer with the required certification.
- How do I sign up for an ACE portal account?
- Submit an ACE portal account application on the CBP website using your importer of record number, such as your EIN with suffix, and name a trade account owner. Account access is free.
- What reports can importers run in ACE?
- Importers can run reports on entries, entry summary line details, duties and fees paid, liquidations, and periodic statements. Many brands compare these monthly with broker invoices and their own landed cost records.