Entry and clearance
ACE (Automated Commercial Environment)
ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) is CBP's electronic system for imports and exports. Brokers, importers and federal agencies use it to exchange trade data.
What does ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) mean?
ACE is the central U.S. system that processes imports and exports. CBP and the partner government agencies require importers and exporters to give detailed data through ACE.
CBP calls ACE the U.S. Single Window. It connects CBP, the partner government agencies and the trade at one access point. CBP uses it to collect duties, control imports and enforce regulations.
Filers send entries and entry summaries to ACE through ABI. The ACE Secure Data Portal is a separate web interface. Importers use it for reports, for ACH refund enrollment and for CAPE Declarations.
CBP adds functions to ACE in deployments, for example the entry type 13 test for mail in September 2026. CBP publishes ACE news in its Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS).
What does it mean for your shipment?
Open an ACE Portal importer account for your company, so that you can see your own entry data and enroll for ACH refunds. CBP pays IEEPA duty refunds only by ACH.
Allied CHB, licensed customs broker, CBP filer code 9AJ.
Where does this come from?
Related terms
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Trade News about ACE
- Oct 15CBP investigates delays in outbound notifications for air, ocean and rail manifest and in-bond
- Oct 15ACE production maintenance window overnight October 17 to 18, 2026
- Oct 13ACE certification environment maintenance on October 14, 2026, 5:00 to 8:00 pm ET
- Oct 13New cargo release error 336 requires invoice or merchandise description on type 13 entries
- Oct 13ACE Certification environment down for extended maintenance on October 17, 2026
All glossary terms · General information, not legal advice.