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Every message from the CBP Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS), with a plain-English summary and Allied CHB's position. We add new messages every hour.
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- February 6, 2026
- Policy GuidanceCSMS #67648307
CBP updated notify party form (CBP Form 4811) for electronic refunds, effective Feb 6, 2026
CBP announced that, effective February 6, 2026, it updated CBP Form 4811, Special Address Notification, used to authorize notify parties for refunds. Refunds directed to a notify party are now deposited electronically into that party's bank account, under an Interim Final Rule effective the same date. CBP no longer accepts earlier versions of the form; only the updated (12/25) version is valid. Importers can add notify parties through their assigned Center of Excellence and Expertise or the ACE Portal's new Notify Parties feature.
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This update concerns how importers set up notify parties in ACE for receiving refunds; it does not change how we file entries. If a client wants a notify party added or revoked for refund purposes, they must submit the updated CBP Form 4811 to their Center of Excellence and Expertise or use the ACE Portal feature themselves. Clients who already have notify parties correctly on file do not need to take any action. Ask us if you are unsure whether this affects a specific refund or entry.
CBP added a new ACE report to track Section 232 auto import adjustment offsets
CBP announced a new ACE Reports tool, TR-015 Section 232 Auto Credit, for importers and brokers with an ACE role. It shows entries filed with an offset license number for Section 232 duty offsets on automobile parts. The report helps track offset amounts claimed against limits set by the Department of Commerce.
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This report is a tracking tool for clients who use Section 232 auto parts offset licenses. It does not change any duty rate or filing requirement, and Allied does not need to take new action because of it. Clients who use these offsets should ask Allied to review their entries if they want help monitoring their license balances.
- General NoticeCSMS #67644085
CBP started issuing all refunds through ACH instead of checks
CBP announced that, starting February 6, 2026, it would issue all refunds electronically through ACH, with limited exceptions, under the Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule. CBP updated its ACE Portal and ACH Refunds FAQ and published enrollment guides and training materials. The notice encouraged importers and brokers to review the resources and complete any needed ACH enrollment steps.
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This rule set up the ACH refund system that CBP still uses, including for IEEPA duty refunds processed through CAPE Declarations. Clients who have not enrolled for ACH refunds in the ACE Portal should confirm their enrollment so any refund CBP owes them, including on entries we file, can be paid electronically. If you are unsure whether your account is enrolled, ask us and we can point you to the CBP enrollment resources.
USDA reminded filers of organic entry HTS flag change and NOP-IC filing errors
CBP relayed a USDA National Organic Program notice that certain HTS codes changed from AM7 (may file) to AM8 (must file, reject severity) on February 13, 2026. USDA also flagged common filing errors: using non-conforming 10-digit NOP ID numbers instead of 21-character NOP-IC numbers, and filing under the wrong ACE message set. The notice said organic shipments without a valid NOP-IC number can face reexport, donation, or destruction, and told filers to use the OR2 message set for electronic NOP-IC numbers and OR1 only for manually issued NOP-ICs with a COOP code.
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This notice set filing rules for organic entries that took effect in February 2026 and, unless a later CSMS message says otherwise, should still govern how NOP-IC data is filed today. We file organic entries using valid 21-character NOP-IC numbers under the OR2 message set, or OR1 only when a client provides a manually issued NOP-IC with a COOP code. Clients importing organic goods should send us the correct NOP-IC number for each shipment and ask us to confirm the HTS flag status if unsure.
- QuotaCSMS #67630220
CBP published 2026 AGOA apparel quota limits (routine bulletin)
CBP announced Quota Bulletin 26-407 covering 2026 AGOA tariff-rate limits for apparel from designated sub-Saharan African countries, effective February 9, 2025 through December 31, 2026. The bulletin set an opening date of February 9, 2026, with entries filed before 8:30 am ET on that date treated as filed at 8:30 am, and proration if any HTSUS group exceeds its limit.
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This was a routine quota bulletin covering AGOA apparel entries filed early in 2026. We applied the stated proration and timing rules to any qualifying entries filed around the opening date. Clients with AGOA apparel entries from that period who have questions about proration should ask us to review their entries.
- QuotaCSMS #67631822
CBP Published 2026 Haiti HELP Apparel Quota Bulletin 26-134
CBP announced Quota Bulletin 26-134 for the 2026 Haiti Economic Lift Program Act (HELP), covering apparel goods under HTSUS Chapter 98 subchapter XX and Chapter 61, 62 subheadings. The quota period ran from February 9, 2026 through December 31, 2026, with an opening date of February 9, 2026. CBP explained how entries filed near the opening time would be treated for quota qualification and proration.
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This bulletin set the quota rules for Haiti HELP apparel entries filed between February 9 and December 31, 2026. Because the quota period is still open as of today, we continue to apply these proration and timing rules to qualifying entries we file. Clients shipping HELP apparel should ask us to confirm the current quota status for their specific entries.
CBP held ACE maintenance on February 7-8, 2026 (historical notice)
CBP announced ACE production standard invasive maintenance from 10:00 p.m. ET Saturday, February 7, 2026 to 4:00 a.m. ET Sunday, February 8, 2026. This affected system availability for filers using ACE during that window. The notice did not describe further impacts beyond the maintenance schedule.
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This was a routine, time limited ACE maintenance window that has already passed. It did not require any action from clients then and has no bearing on entries filed today. Clients do not need to do anything about this notice now.
CBP Updated Draft ACE CATAIR for Air Waybill Minimum Length
CBP posted an updated ACE Cargo Release CATAIR document. It set a minimum of 7 characters for the Air Master Bill of Lading under SE15 Note 1. CBP said the related validation rule (rule 029) would deploy no earlier than March 5, 2026.
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This update concerns the technical data format used to transmit the Air Master Bill of Lading through ABI. It affects how we format air waybill data on the entries we file, not what importers must submit. Clients do not need to act on this; contact us if you have questions about a specific air shipment entry.
- General NoticeCSMS #67590021
NOAA detailed how importers must certify fish imports are not MMPA-restricted
CBP relayed NOAA Fisheries guidance on the Certification of Admissibility (COA) required for certain fish and fish products under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, effective January 1, 2026. The message explained who must complete the COA, what data it must contain, and that importers of record must sign a final certification within 24 hours after release. It also set out how to upload the COA in the ACE Document Imaging System using specific document type, label, and code fields.
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This message described an ongoing NOAA certification requirement for covered fish and fish products, not a one time deadline, and nothing since has told us it changed. For entries covered by MMPA restrictions, we upload the COA in ACE DIS before release and expect the importer of record's final certification within 24 hours after release. If you import fish or fish products, ask us to review whether your HTS numbers fall under this requirement so we can confirm the entries we file for you are handled correctly.
- General NoticeCSMS #67593748
CBP opened registration for the April 2026 Customs Broker License Exam
CBP announced that registration for the April 22, 2026 Customs Broker License Exam (CBLE) opened February 9, 2026 and closed March 11, 2026. Registration was handled through links on the CBP.gov Customs Brokers webpage. This message was for individuals seeking to become licensed customs brokers, not for importers or shippers.
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This message concerns individuals seeking a customs broker license, not Allied's clients. Clients do not need to act on this notice. The registration window has already closed, so it has no current effect on entries we file.
CBP fixed a time-out error in ACE Reports
CBP announced that it deployed an update on January 29, 2026 to fix a rise in 524 time-out errors that some users saw when running ACE Reports. CBP said the issue was limited to running reports and did not affect trade operations. Users who still see time-out or other errors can contact the ACE Help Desk or the ACE Reports team.
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This issue affected only the ACE Reports tool, not entry filing or cargo release, so it did not change how we processed client entries. No client action was needed then, and none is needed now. Clients with current ACE Reports issues should contact the CBP ACE Help Desk directly.
- System UpdateCSMS #67561538
CBP issued HTS updates for chips, 2025 tariff changes, and cotton fee (Jan 2026)
CBP announced Harmonized System Update 2601, created January 15, 2026, covering Section 232 Semiconductor HTS changes, and HSU 2602, created January 30, 2026, covering Fall 2025 484(f) HTS updates and 2025 Cotton Fee Assessments. The 484(f) updates took effect February 1, 2026, and the Cotton Fee Assessments took effect March 1, 2026. CBP pointed importers to prior guidance on Section 232 semiconductor entry filings and to USITC and federal register resources for the other updates.
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At the time, these updates changed the HTS codes and cotton fee rates that applied to entries filed on or after their effective dates, including semiconductor products subject to Section 232. Later CSMS messages and tariff developments through 2026 may have further changed classification or duty treatment for these products. Clients with entries affected by these HTS changes should ask us to review the specific classifications and rates that applied to their goods.
ACE production maintenance scheduled overnight January 31 to February 1, 2026
CBP announced standard invasive maintenance on the ACE production system. The window ran from 10:00 p.m. ET Saturday, January 31, 2026, to 4:00 a.m. ET Sunday, February 1, 2026.
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This was a routine overnight maintenance window that has already passed. Clients did not need to act then and do not need to act now.
CBP Ordered Detention of Coffee From Finca Monte Grande Over Forced Labor
CBP announced on January 29, 2026 that it issued a Withhold Release Order against coffee harvested by Finca Monte Grande in Mexico. The order directed CBP officers at all U.S. ports of entry to detain coffee shipments from that producer based on evidence of forced labor and forced child labor. Importers of detained shipments could seek to export or destroy the goods, or try to show the coffee was not made with forced labor.
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At the time, this WRO meant we had to expect detention of any coffee entries tied to Finca Monte Grande and to help clients respond to CBP detention notices. Withhold Release Orders generally remain in effect until CBP rescinds them, so this restriction may still apply today. Clients who import coffee from Mexico should ask us to check whether a specific shipment or supplier is covered by this or a later CBP forced labor action.
CBP added more parties certified to pay duty on international mail shipments
CBP announced updates to its list of parties certified to collect and pay duty on international mail shipments under Executive Order 14324, which ended duty-free de minimis treatment for all countries effective August 29, 2025. CBP said mail carriers or qualified third parties must pay duty on these shipments, following the process in earlier CSMS guidance that requires a CBP Form 5106 and a bond. CBP said it would keep posting updated lists of qualified parties on CBP.gov.
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This message concerns international mail carriers and third parties seeking CBP certification to pay duty on mail shipments, not entries Allied files directly. The de minimis suspension it references remains in effect for all countries, including mail, as of today. Clients who ship by international mail should confirm their carrier or designated party appears on CBP's current qualified party list, and can ask Allied to review how this affects their specific entries.
- Policy GuidanceCSMS #67536835
CBP reminded brokers of 2026 annual permit user fee deadline
CBP announced that the 2026 Customs Broker Annual Permit User Fee of $185.38 was due by January 30, 2026, for all active national permits. Brokers could pay through the eCBP portal, which accepted payments from December 2, 2025, through January 30, 2026. CBP stated that missing the deadline would result in permit revocation by operation of law.
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This notice concerned customs brokers, not importers or shippers, and the payment deadline has passed. Clients of Allied do not need to take any action regarding this fee. Later CSMS messages may address broker permit status if it changed.
CBP updated its forced labor website and UFLPA enforcement data dashboard
CBP announced a revamped Forced Labor website and a 2026 update to the UFLPA Enforcement Statistics Dashboard. The update added new filters, individual shipment counts, and visualizations covering shipments stopped, released, denied, or pending under UFLPA. CBP said the update replaced the prior dashboard version, which it archived without further updates.
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This announcement is informational and does not change any entry filing requirements. We do not need clients to take any action in response to this update. Importers who want to review UFLPA enforcement trends for their industry or country of origin can use the dashboard directly, and we remain available to discuss any UFLPA-related detentions on specific entries.
CBP held a brief maintenance window for the ACE certification test environment
CBP announced an invasive maintenance window for the ACE Certification environment, scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. The message did not describe the maintenance date consistently, so filers should treat the notice as stating a window in that time period. This affected the ACE certification (test) environment, not necessarily live production filing.
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This notice concerned a maintenance window for the ACE certification environment, which relates to system testing rather than day to day entry filing. It did not require any action from importers or shippers, and it is long past. Clients do not need to do anything about this notice now.
- Policy GuidanceCSMS #67513690
CBP said all refunds would move to electronic ACH payments starting February 6, 2026
CBP announced that beginning February 6, 2026, it would issue all refunds electronically through ACH, with limited exceptions, under an interim final rule published January 2, 2026. CBP urged importers and the trade community to review its ACE Portal and ACH refund enrollment resources and complete any needed setup before that date. The message pointed to FAQs, training guides and support call schedules for enrollment.
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This message is more than 30 days old. It told importers to enroll for ACH refunds in the ACE Portal ahead of February 6, 2026, but later CSMS messages may have changed enrollment details or exceptions since then. If you receive CBP refunds, including any IEEPA duty refunds, ask us to confirm your current ACH enrollment status and whether any action is still outstanding.
FDA Removed Invalid 'FTZ' Compliance Code From ACE Filings
CBP announced that FDA removed the Affirmation of Compliance code "FTZ" from ACE Appendix PGA, effective with the February 21, 2026 ACE deployment. FDA said it uses entry type and PG30 record data, not an AofC code, to identify FTZ withdrawals. CBP stated that any entry transmitting the "FTZ" code after that deployment would have its FDA data rejected.
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This change took effect on February 21, 2026 and still applies today. We do not transmit the AofC code "FTZ" on FDA-regulated entries we file and rely on entry type and PG30 data instead, as FDA requires. Clients do not need to do anything unless they specifically instruct us to use an AofC code; if so, they should confirm with us that it is not "FTZ".
CBP resolved January ACE EDI slowdown affecting Air and Entry Summary filings
CBP announced it completed troubleshooting network connections that had slowed EDI message processing for the ACE application. CBP confirmed EDI processing resumed and ACE portal applications were functioning properly, with the system continuing to process a backlog of transactions until complete. This message was published January 24, 2026.
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This was a temporary system outage notice from January 2026 and CBP reported it as resolved at the time. It required no action from clients then and has no bearing on entries filed today. If clients see unrelated filing issues now, they should contact us so we can review the specific entry.
CBP announced mandatory electronic refunds via ACH starting February 2026
CBP announced that beginning February 6, 2026, it would issue all CBP refunds electronically through ACH, with limited exceptions, under an interim final rule. CBP also improved the ACH refund sign up process in ACE and added a feature to add notify parties in the ACE Portal. CBP held a support call on January 28, 2026 to help the trade community prepare for the transition.
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This message is over eight months old. Later CSMS messages may have changed or clarified how CBP issues refunds, so clients should ask us about the current status of any refunds tied to their entries. At the time, the notice meant importers needed to enroll for ACH to receive CBP refunds after February 5, 2026.
CBP resolved brief ACE EDI slowdown from January 2026 maintenance
CBP announced a network restart between 8:00pm and 9:00pm EST that caused temporary delays in processing incoming EDI messages for ACE Air and Entry Summary. CBP asked users not to refile messages that received no response during the window, since those would process once the connection was restored. Users could also see slowness in ACE Portal applications during that time. This affected importers, brokers and carriers filing through ACE that evening.
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This was a routine, one-time maintenance window from January 2026 and has already passed. It did not change any filing requirements or deadlines. Clients do not need to take any action regarding this notice.
CBP reported ACE slow processing issues affecting Air and Entry Summary EDI in January 2026
CBP announced continuing network issues causing slow processing in ACE for Air EDI and Entry Summary EDI. CBP asked the trade not to resend transmissions, stating initial transmissions would still be processed. CBP warned that resending transmissions would cause additional delays. The message did not give a timeline for resolution.
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This was a temporary system slowdown CBP reported in January 2026. It does not describe a current issue, and later CBP messages may have addressed it. Clients do not need to act now, but if they have questions about delayed filings from that period, they should ask Allied to review the affected entries.
CBP reported slow processing in ACE Air and Entry Summary EDI
CBP announced network issues causing slow processing in ACE Air EDI and ACE Entry Summary EDI. CBP said it was working to fix the issue and would send an update once resolved. The message did not name a cause or give a timeline.
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At the time, this meant filers could see delays transmitting air cargo and entry summary data through ACE. CBP has likely resolved this issue since the message is over eight months old, and later CSMS messages may have provided updates. Clients do not need to act, but they can ask Allied to confirm the status of any specific entry from that period.
CBP held ACE maintenance window in late January 2026
CBP announced a scheduled ACE Production Standard Invasive maintenance window from 10:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 24, 2026, to 4:00 a.m. ET on Sunday, January 25, 2026. This was a routine system maintenance notice with no other details provided. It affected ACE availability during that window only.
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This was a routine, time-limited ACE maintenance window that has long since passed. It did not change any filing rules or deadlines, and clients do not need to take any action regarding this notice now.
CBP launched Forced Labor Portal for UFLPA and WRO reviews
CBP announced that the Forced Labor Portal went live on January 21, 2026. The portal is a centralized system for importers to submit review requests for shipments detained or excluded under forced labor enforcement. CBP made it mandatory to use the portal for Withhold Release Order and Finding admissibility reviews, UFLPA applicability and exception requests, and CAATSA exception requests as of that date.
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This portal remains the required channel for UFLPA and WRO related review requests as far as we know from later messages. If any of your entries are detained or excluded for forced labor enforcement, we will help prepare and submit the review request through the Forced Labor Portal. Contact us if you have a shipment currently held under a WRO, Finding, or UFLPA action so we can review the entry with you.
CBP held ACE maintenance window on January 21, 2026 (history)
CBP announced an ACE Certification Standard invasive maintenance window on January 21, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET. This was a routine system maintenance notice affecting the ACE Certification environment. The message did not describe any lasting change to filing rules.
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This was a routine, time-limited maintenance window in the ACE Certification test environment and has no ongoing effect on entries we file today. Clients did not need to take any action then, and no action is needed now regarding this notice.
CBP added duty calculation error checks for entry summary filings in ACE
CBP announced in January 2026 that it enhanced ACE certification (CERT) to add two new validation codes, 624 and 627, that flag mismatches between estimated and calculated duty on entry summary lines with up to 32 HTS codes. CBP said the enhancement would move from CERT testing into ACE production on February 17, 2026. The message was aimed at software vendors testing ABI filing systems.
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This update concerns the filing software and validation checks brokers like Allied use in ACE, not actions importers need to take. The new codes help catch duty calculation errors on entry summary lines before filing. Clients do not need to do anything; if a specific entry raises a duty mismatch question, we can review it on request.
ACE production maintenance window on the night of January 17, 2026
CBP announced standard invasive maintenance on the ACE production environment. The window ran from 10:00 p.m. ET Saturday, January 17, 2026, to 4:00 a.m. ET Sunday, January 18, 2026.
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This was a routine maintenance window that has already passed. Clients did not need to act, and no action is needed now.
The summaries and positions are general information, not legal advice. Always check the official CBP message, which each page links to.
Does a change affect your entries?
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