How To Register In The ACE Portal
To Request Your IEEPA Refund
Click Here For Latest Updates – May 14, 2026
The following reflects the latest developments as of May 14, 2026 — including updates to the CAPE program status, the March 27 court order, and key timelines every importer needs to know.
Section 122 tariffs have officially been ruled illegal after the Court of International Trade determined that President Trump’s 10% import tariffs failed to meet the legal standards required under the Trade Act of 1974. The court stated the administration did not prove a “large and serious” balance-of-payments deficit necessary to justify the tariffs, which were imposed earlier this year on most US imports.
CAPE Program: System Readiness (as of May 14)
- CBP’s CAPE system (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries — the refund engine inside ACE) is still being built in phases.
- Claim Portal: 85% complete | Mass Processing: 60% complete | Review & Liquidation: 80% complete | Refund Function: 75% complete
- On April 20, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will launch the first phase of CAPE in the Automated Commercial Environment Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal).
What is CAPE?
The 4 Components of the Refund Engine
- Claim Portal — New web-based tool in ACE. Importers/brokers submit IEEPA refund requests by uploading a CSV file listing entry summaries. ACE validates completeness, format, and authorization.
- Mass Processing — For validated entries, CAPE removes the IEEPA tariff numbers from entry summaries and recalculates duties as if IEEPA duties had never been declared.
- Review & Liquidation/Reliquidation — ACE schedules entries for liquidation or reliquidation, updates duty amounts, and calculates applicable interest. Processed Monday–Thursday.
- Refund — On the scheduled date, the importer must upload a CSV file containing only entry numbers (up to 9,999 per submission). The system will validate both the file and each entry before acceptance. A CAPE claim number will be issued upon successful submission.
- Refunds grouped by liquidation date and importer of record will be issued electronically to the designated bank account.
- Refunds are generally expected within 60–90 days of an accepted declaration.
Phase 1 Scope — What IS and IS NOT Included
- Phase 1 WILL process: Unliquidated entries + Entries within the 80-day reliquidation window. This represents roughly 63% of total impacted entries.
- CAPE will also process entries with liquidation status of suspended, extended, or under review, as well as warehouse and warehouse withdrawal entries
- Phase 1 EXCLUDES: Reconciliation entries (Entry Type 09), Drawback claims, Entries under active protest, Entries not filed in ACE or without a valid status, Certain AD/CVD entries pending liquidation instructions.
Important: Finally, liquidated entries are excluded from Phase 1 — they will be addressed in a future CAPE phase.
Meaning: A significant portion of refunds will come later. Phase 1 is a partial rollout.
March 27, 2026 Court Order — Judge Eaton (Atmus Filtration Inc. v. United States, CIT)
- Senior Judge Richard Eaton of the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) broadened the scope of refunds to include finally liquidated entries — those that have completed both the 314-day liquidation cycle AND the 180-day protest period.
- Importers will NOT be required to file protests for entries beyond the date of finality in order to recover IEEPA duties.
- CBP was ordered to reliquidate any entry that has liquidated if IEEPA duties were deposited — regardless of whether liquidation is final or not.
- However, on March 30, CBP stated that Phase 1 of CAPE will NOT include final liquidated entries to meet the deployment timeline. These will come in a future phase.
Refund Readiness — Who Is Positioned to Get Paid
- 26,664 Importers of Record (IORs) are already set up for electronic refunds.
- These IORs account for 78% of the impacted entries.
- Total IEEPA duty exposure tied to these entries: $120 billion.
- Most of the refund value is already tied to companies that are operationally ready.
Key Dates & Timelines to Know
- China imports: IEEPA duties began Feb 4, 2025 (10%, then 20% in March 2025). Entries entered liquidation cycle ~Dec 25, 2025. 90-day reliquidation window ends March 25, 2026. Finality of liquidation: June 23, 2026.
- Rest of world: IEEPA duties began in April 2025. Entries started liquidating Feb 13, 2026. Available for CAPE for 180 days following the actual date of liquidation.
- Clock is running: CBP continues to liquidate entries on the 314th day. If your entry is approaching the 494th day (event horizon of timeliness) and CAPE is not ready, consider filing a protest to protect your right to a refund.
What You Should Do Right Now
- Access your ACE Portal account and download a full list of all entries on which you paid IEEPA duties.
- In your report, include: date of entry, date of liquidation, Chapter 9903 line items, duties paid, and Chapter 99 HTUS classification. This identifies which process applies to each entry.
- Verify which entries qualify for Phase 1 (unliquidated or within the 90-day reliquidation window).
- If your entry is approaching its 494th day, consult your customs or trade counsel about filing a protest to protect your refund rights.
- If your liquidation is already final or approaching its 180th day post-liquidation, consider consulting counsel about filing a summons and complaint in the CIT (under 28 U.S.C. 1581).
A1WWL can assist you in accessing your ACE Portal and downloading your entry reports. Contact us today.
ACE Portal Access and ACH Set-Up Required to Receive CBP Refunds
CBP, on February 6, transitioned to electronic-only refunds (91 FR 21), necessitated by 31 U.S.C. 3332 and Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account (90 FR 14001).
Since February 6, CBP has had over 12,300 certified refunds rejected because recipients did not provide valid U.S. bank account information.
CBP’s Direct Statement:
Importers and other parties who have had entry summaries liquidate since February 6, 2026, and have not yet provided the necessary banking information,
need to follow the ACH refund enrollment resources listed below.
WHY THIS MATTERS: As of February 6, 2026, CBP issues ALL refunds electronically only. Over 12,300 refunds have been rejected because recipients had no banking information on file. Only ~6.5% of importers have completed the setup. Act now — no interest is paid on delayed refunds.
Section 1: Create Your ACE Portal
Before you start
Have these ready
- Your Importer Record Number (IR#) — EIN, SSN, or CBP-assigned number
- Your exact company name as it appears in CBP Form 5106
- Your business email address (this becomes your ACE login)
Your 5106 Point of Contact (POC) must be available — code expires in 10 minutes!
1. Go to the CBP form and fill in your company info
- Open your browser and go to:
ace-accounts.cbp.gov/s/importer-form - Company Name (*): Exact name as in your CBP 5106 record
- IR# (*): Your EIN, SSN, or CBP-assigned number
Business Email (*): This will be your ACE Portal login
Complete any CAPTCHA if prompted, then click “Next”
🔴 Received this error?
- Your EIN is already linked to an existing ACE account.
- Do NOT try to create a new account.
- Jump to “If Your EIN Is Already Linked” below.
2. Enter the Verification Code
- CBP will automatically send a one-time code to the POC email on file in the 5106 record.
Code expires in 10 minutes
Coordinate with your POC in advance. If you click “Back” or the timer runs out, the entire process restarts, and all data is lost.
Type the code in the “Verification Code” field, then click “Next”
3. Complete account owner details
- Company Name, IR#, and Email are pre-filled. Complete the rest:
- Company Org. Structure (*): Select from drop-down
- Account Owner First & Last Name (*): Name of the account owner
- Country, Address, City, Zip (*): Business address
- Telephone Number (*): Format: 305-821-8995
- Fiscal Year End, DUNS#, Website: Optional
4. Authorize and Submit
- Check the checkbox to authorize the creation of your Top Account, TAO, and Importer Account View.
- Click the “Submit” button.
✓ Done!
You will receive 2 emails: (1) confirmation of importer view access, and (2) your login credentials for the ACE Portal.
If Your EIN Is Already Linked
Your company already has an ACE account. Follow these steps to recover and reactivate it.
1. Identify the ACE Top Account Owner
The Top Account Owner is the person whose email was used during the original customs registration.
- Typically the company owner or the person who signed the original customs paperwork.
- Check your original registration paperwork to find whose credentials were used.
- CBP cannot tell you directly — but they can confirm when you provide the correct name and email.
2. Reactivate the Account (if dormant)
- Call CBP to request reactivation (see CBP Contact Information section).
- Once reactivated, proceed to Step 4 to reset the password.
- Voided accounts: Contact CBP Bonds team: (317) 614-4880 or BONDQUESTIONS@CBP.DHS.GOV
- Reset the ACE Portal Password
- Go to ace.cbp.dhs.gov
- Click “Forgot Password” and reset for the Top Account Owner’s email
- Log in and verify access before continuing
3. Check for an Importer Subaccount
✓ Subaccount already connected: Proceed immediately — saves ~2 weeks of processing time.
✗ No subaccount connected: You’ll need to create and link one — may take ~2 additional weeks.
4. Follow CBP’s Official Reference Documents
- Refer to the Official CBP Resources section of this guide.
- Complete the ACH bank account setup described in Step B below.
Section 2: Register Your Bank Account To Receive Refund (ACH)
Once your ACE Portal account is active, complete this step to enable electronic refunds.
1. Log in to the ACE Portal:
Sign in as the Trade Account Owner (TAO) or an authorized user.
2. Navigate to the ACH / Refund Authorization tab
Inside the portal, go to the Importer sub-account view. Find and click the “ACH” or “Refund Authorization” tab.
Note: You must have an updated CBP Form 5106 on file to see this tab. If you can’t find it, contact us.
3. Add your U.S. bank account information
Select Add and enter:
- Bank Name: Name of your U.S. bank
- Routing Number: (ABA): 9-digit routing number
- Account Number: Your bank account number
✓ Done!
CBP will send your IEEPA refunds directly to your bank. If previously rejected, email: frn-achrefundsupport@cbp.dhs.gov
once enrolled. Allow 4–6 weeks for replacement refunds.
Section 3: Add Sub-Accounts To An Existing ACE Portal
- The Trade Account Owner (TAO) must submit a formal request letter to CBP via email. The letter should be prepared on company letterhead and signed by the TAO or an authorized company representative.
Important: When requesting to add one or more sub-accounts to an existing top account, ensure that all company details (such as name and address) exactly match the information provided in the original ACE Portal application.
- The request letter must clearly state that CBP is being asked to add one or more sub-accounts to the corresponding ACE Portal top account.
- Send the completed and signed request letter via email to ACE.Applications@cbp.dhs.gov.
What You Need To Know
Key Facts
- CBP now issues ALL refunds electronically via ACH — mandated by the Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule (91 FR 21), effective January 2, 2026.
- This affects all importers, brokers, filers, sureties, and other parties receiving refunds of customs duties, taxes, and fees.
- Once rejected, a manual recovery process is required. NO INTEREST is paid on delayed refunds.
Rejected refund? Enroll bank info → email frn-achrefundsupport@cbp.dhs.gov → allow 4–6 weeks.
Special Cases
| Situation | What to Do |
| Inactive ACE account | Must be reactivated before enrolling in ACH. Call CBP. |
| Voided ACE account | Contact CBP Bonds team: (317) 614-4880 or BONDQUESTIONS@CBP.DHS.GOV |
| Foreign importer (no U.S. bank) | Must have a U.S. bank account, OR designate a U.S. customs broker as the authorized notify party. |
| Paper check waiver |
Very limited circumstances under 31 CFR 208.4. Send request to FRN-ACHREFUNDSUPPORT@CBP.DHS.GOV |
| Broker/filer (4811 Notify Party) | Must also complete ACH enrollment in their own ACE Portal account. |
CBP Contact Information
| Department | Contact Details |
| CBP Technology Service Desk | CBP.Technology.Service.Desk@cbp.dhs.gov Phone (CBP): 800-927-8729 | Phone (Trade & PGA): 866-530-4172 |
| ACE Account Services Desk | Technical ACE Portal questions ace.support@cbp.dhs.gov |
| Office of Trade Relations | General trade inquiries traderelations@cbp.dhs.gov |
| ACH Refund Support | Rejected refunds or ACH enrollment issues frn-achrefundsupport@cbp.dhs.gov GMB.ACHREFUNDSUPPORT@CBP.DHS.GOV Phone: (317) 298-1200 ext. 1178 |
| Revenue Refunds | Lost, stale-dated, or undeliverable checks revenuerefunds@cbp.dhs.gov |
| CBP Bonds Team |
Voided ACE accounts Phone: (317) 614-4880 | BONDQUESTIONS@CBP.DHS.GOV |
What You Need To Know
Key Facts
- CBP now issues ALL refunds electronically via ACH — mandated by the Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule (91 FR 21), effective January 2, 2026.
- This affects all importers, brokers, filers, sureties, and other parties receiving refunds of customs duties, taxes, and fees.
- Once rejected, a manual recovery process is required. NO INTEREST is paid on delayed refunds.
Rejected refund? Enroll bank info → email frn-achrefundsupport@cbp.dhs.gov → allow 4–6 weeks.
Special Cases
| Situation | What to Do |
| Inactive ACE account | Must be reactivated before enrolling in ACH. Call CBP. |
| Voided ACE account | Contact CBP Bonds team: (317) 614-4880 or BONDQUESTIONS @CBP.DHS.GOV |
| Foreign importer (no U.S. bank) | Must have a U.S. bank account, OR designate a U.S. customs broker as the authorized notify party. |
| Paper check waiver |
Very limited
Send request to |
| Broker/filer (4811 Notify Party) | Must also complete ACH enrollment in their own ACE Portal account. |
What You Need To Know
Key Facts
- CBP now issues ALL refunds electronically via ACH — mandated by the Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule (91 FR 21), effective January 2, 2026.
- This affects all importers, brokers, filers, sureties, and other parties receiving refunds of customs duties, taxes, and fees.
- Once rejected, a manual recovery process is required. NO INTEREST is paid on delayed refunds.
Rejected refund? Enroll bank info → email frn-achrefundsupport@cbp.dhs.gov → allow 4–6 weeks.
Special Cases
| Situation | What to Do |
| Inactive ACE account | Must be reactivated before enrolling in ACH. Call CBP. |
| Voided ACE account | Contact CBP Bonds team: (317) 614-4880 or BONDQUESTIONS@CBP.DHS.GOV |
| Foreign importer (no U.S. bank) | Must have a U.S. bank account, OR designate a U.S. customs broker as the authorized notify party. |
| Paper check waiver |
Very limited circumstances under 31 CFR 208.4. Send request to FRN-ACHREFUNDSUPPORT@CBP.DHS.GOV |
| Broker/filer (4811 Notify Party) | Must also complete ACH enrollment in their own ACE Portal account. |
CBP Contact Information
| Department | Contact Details |
| CBP Technology Service Desk | CBP.Technology.Service.Desk@cbp.dhs.gov Phone (CBP): 800-927-8729 | Phone (Trade & PGA): 866-530-4172 |
| ACE Account Services Desk | Technical ACE Portal questions ace.support@cbp.dhs.gov |
| Office of Trade Relations | General trade inquiries traderelations@cbp.dhs.gov |
| ACH Refund Support | Rejected refunds or ACH enrollment issues frn-achrefundsupport@cbp.dhs.gov GMB.ACHREFUNDSUPPORT@CBP.DHS.GOV Phone: (317) 298-1200 ext. 1178 |
| Revenue Refunds | Lost, stale-dated, or undeliverable checks revenuerefunds@cbp.dhs.gov |
| CBP Bonds Team |
Voided ACE accounts Phone: (317) 614-4880 | BONDQUESTIONS@CBP.DHS.GOV |
Official CBP Resources
Overviews & FAQs
- One-Page Overview: ACH Refund Enrollment
cbp.gov/document/guidance/cbp-modernizes-electronic-refund-enrollment-process - FAQs: ACE Portal and ACH Refunds
cbp.gov/trade/automated/ace-portal-and-ach-refunds-faqs - CBP ACH Refund Main Page
cbp.gov/trade/automated/ach/refund - International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) Duty Refunds
Information Notices
- ACE Portal Updates to Enable Electronic Refund Enrollment
cbp.gov/sites/default/files/2025-12/trade_information_notice_ach_508c_updated_12_2025.pdf - Automated ACE Portal Application for Importer Accounts
- ACE Portal Feature for Trade Users to Add Notify Parties
- Consolidated Administration and Processing of
Entries (CAPE) Phase 1
Training Guides & Videos
- Training Guide: ACE Portal Importer Account Application
cbp.gov/document/guidance/automated-ace-portal-account-application-importers - Training Guide: ACH Refund Enrollment in the ACE Portal
cbp.gov/document/guidance/ace-portal-ach-bank-information-electronic-refunds - Training Video: ACH Refund Enrollment in the ACE Portal
- Training Guide: ACE Portal Feature to Add Notify Parties
- Training Guide: ACE Refund Report (REV-603)
Rejected Refunds
- Rejected ACH Refund — Replacement Refund Instructions
cbp.gov/trade/priority-issues/revenue/replacement-checks
