ACE Portal Guide: How US Importers Use CBP's Automated Commercial Environment

What Is the ACE Portal?

The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is CBP's primary system for processing all imports and exports entering or leaving the United States. Fully operational since 2016 when it replaced the legacy Automated Commercial System (ACS), ACE is the "single window" through which importers, customs brokers, carriers, and government agencies exchange trade data. Every customs entry filed in the US flows through ACE, and the system handles over 60 million entry summaries annually. For importers, ACE is not just a filing system — it is a compliance management tool that provides visibility into entry status, duty payments, liquidation, and CBP communications.

Setting Up Your ACE Importer Account

Every importer of record should have direct access to ACE through the ACE Secure Data Portal. While your customs broker files entries on your behalf, having your own portal access allows you to independently monitor entry status, review CBP messages, and run compliance reports. Setting up an account is free and straightforward.

1. Step 1: Obtain an ACE Portal Account. Visit the ACE Secure Data Portal website and click 'Request Account.' You will need your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and importer of record number.
2. Step 2: Complete identity verification. CBP requires identity proofing — you will upload a government-issued ID and complete an online verification process.
3. Step 3: Receive your portal credentials. Once approved (typically 3-5 business days), you will receive login credentials for the ACE Secure Data Portal.
4. Step 4: Configure your account. Set up authorized users, notification preferences, and report subscriptions. You can grant portal access to multiple employees with different permission levels.
5. Step 5: Link your broker accounts. Request that your customs broker(s) link their ABI (Automated Broker Interface) filings to your ACE portal account so you can see all entries filed on your behalf.

Key ACE Portal Features for Importers

• Entry Summary Tracking: View the status of every entry filed under your IOR number — from filing through liquidation. Track whether entries are accepted, rejected, or under review.
• Duty Payment Monitoring: See all periodic monthly statements (PMS), daily statements, and individual duty payments. ACE shows payment due dates, amounts, and any interest or penalties assessed.
• CBP Message Center: Receive official CBP communications including CF-28 (Request for Information), CF-29 (Notice of Action), rate advances, and penalty notices directly through the portal.
• Cargo Release Tracking: Monitor the release status of your shipments in real time. See whether cargo has been selected for examination and track hold/release status.
• Compliance Reports: Run ad-hoc and scheduled reports on entry data, including classification frequency reports, duty payment summaries, and trade program utilization.
• Importer Trade Activity (ITRAC): Access ITRAC reports that provide a comprehensive overview of your import activity, including entry volumes, duty payments, and compliance scores.
• Document Image System (DIS): Upload supporting documents (invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin) directly to CBP through the portal.

Using ACE Reports for Compliance Monitoring

One of the most underutilized features of ACE is its reporting capability. The portal allows importers to generate detailed reports on their import activity, which is essential for internal compliance monitoring and audit preparation. The most valuable reports for compliance purposes include the Entry Summary report (which shows all entries by date range, port, and HTS code), the Liquidation report (which tracks whether entries have been liquidated as filed or with rate changes), and the Rejected Entry report (which identifies entries that CBP rejected for data errors).

Best practice is to run these reports monthly and review them for anomalies: unexpected duty rates, entries liquidated at higher rates than filed, rejected entries that were not corrected, and patterns that might indicate systematic classification errors. This proactive monitoring demonstrates reasonable care and can identify issues before they become CBP enforcement actions.

ACE and Partner Government Agencies (PGAs)

ACE is not just a CBP system — it serves as the single window for 49 partner government agencies (PGAs) that regulate imports, including the FDA, USDA, EPA, CPSC, FCC, and DOT. When your imported goods are subject to PGA requirements, the relevant filing data flows through ACE to the appropriate agency. For example, FDA prior notice filings for food imports are submitted through ACE, and EPA TSCA certifications for chemical imports are transmitted through the same system. Understanding how PGA data flows through ACE helps you coordinate compliance across all regulatory requirements, not just CBP duties.

Common ACE Portal Issues and Solutions

• Cannot see broker-filed entries: Contact your broker and request they link their ABI filings to your ACE portal account. You may need to submit an authorization form.
• Account access denied: Ensure your EIN matches CBP records. If you recently changed your business structure, you may need to update your importer of record information.
• Missing PGA data: Some PGA filings require separate accounts or authorizations. Contact the specific PGA for access requirements.
• Report data discrepancies: ACE data can lag by 24-48 hours. If discrepancies persist, contact your assigned CBP Center of Excellence and Expertise (CEE).