CBP launched new web-based ACE Portal account application in April 2026
CBP title: New ACE Portal Account Application Now Available
This message is from April 1, 2026. Later CSMS messages may have changed it. See the latest trade news
What did CBP announce?
CBP announced on April 1, 2026 that it released a modernized ACE Secure Data Portal account application for companies without existing ACE Portal access. The new web forms covered new importer, exporter, protest filer and other sub-account applications, plus updates to Account Owner information. CBP said it would temporarily continue accepting the older PDF-based application during the rollout period.
What is Allied's position?
This message concerned how companies apply for ACE Portal accounts, not how we file entries, so clients did not need to act on it. Later CSMS messages may have changed the application process or web links described here. Clients setting up a new ACE Portal account should ask Allied to confirm the current application procedure before applying.
General information, not legal advice.
What does the CBP message say?
On April 1, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released a modernized ACE Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal) account application for the trade community. The new digital web form facilitates:
- Submission of information to CBP when applying for a new ACE Portal top account
- Requests to update Account Owner information
- Communication with CBP on the account setup process
The modernized tool also adds enhanced processing features for CBP personnel.
Below is an overview of the ACE Portal trade account application options. These options only apply to companies who do not have existing ACE Portal access.
Importer Sub-account Exporter Sub-account Protest Filer Sub-account All Other Sub-accounts
New ACE Portal Top Account Applications
Importer Application (https://ace-accounts.cbp.gov/s/importer-form)*
Exporter Application (https://ace.cbp.dhs.gov/acexpub/acexpub_Apps/ExporterAccountApplication/expForm.php) Protest Filer Application (https://ace.cbp.dhs.gov/acexpub/acexpub_Apps/ProtestantAccountApplication/protForm.php) New ACE Portal Application (https://aceaccountreview.cbp.gov/)
*For companies who need to set up the Importer sub-account view for multiple Importer of Record numbers, use the legacy ACE Portal application form (PDF) (https://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/ace-secure-data-portal-account-application).
Going forward, applicants are strongly encouraged to use the applicable web-based ACE Portal application for faster processing by CBP. CBP will temporarily continue to accept the legacy PDF-based application during the initial roll out period for the new web-based application. The application is available on the legacy application webpage (https://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/ace-secure-data-portal-account-application) and can be submitted to ACE.Applications@cbp.dhs.gov (mailto:ACE.Applications@cbp.dhs.gov).
For more information on applying for an ACE Portal top account, review the Applying for an ACE Secure Data Portal Account webpage (https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/how-to-use-ace/portal-applying).
For information on how to add one or more sub-accounts to an existing ACE Portal top account, review the Managing an ACE Secure Data Portal Account webpage (https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/how-to-use-ace/portal-managing).