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 30CBP fixes ACE glitch that sent some daily statements in error on October 28 and 29
- Oct 28ACE maintenance window on the night of October 31 to November 1, 2026
- Oct 27ACE Portal moves ACH Refund Authorization under a new Financial Transactions tab
- Oct 27ACE certification environment maintenance on October 28, 2026, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. ET
- Oct 22ACE scheduled for maintenance overnight October 24 to 25, 2026
All glossary terms · General information, not legal advice.