· Guide

ACE Portal Account Setup Guide for CAPE Refund Filing

Before you can file a CAPE declaration for your IEEPA tariff refund, you need two things in place: an active ACE Portal account and a registered ACH refund account. This guide covers both.

What Is the ACE Portal?

The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Portal is CBP’s online trade processing system. It’s where importers, brokers, and carriers manage entries, view liquidation status, and — starting with CAPE — file refund declarations.

Access the portal at: ace.cbp.dhs.gov

Who Needs an ACE Account?

CAPE declarations can be filed by:

  • Importers of record — the party listed on the entry summary as the importer
  • Licensed customs brokers — filing on behalf of the importer with proper authorization

If your customs broker already manages your entries in ACE, they can file CAPE declarations on your behalf. You don’t necessarily need your own ACE account — but having access helps you monitor the status of your declarations and refunds.

Step 1: Request ACE Portal Access

If you don’t already have an ACE account:

  1. Visit the ACE Secure Data Portal
  2. Click “Request Account” or “New User Registration”
  3. Provide your:
    • Company name and address
    • Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Importer of Record number
    • Contact information
    • Role (Importer, Broker, Carrier, etc.)
  4. CBP will verify your identity and company information
  5. You’ll receive login credentials via email

Processing Time

Account approval typically takes 3-5 business days. During peak periods (such as after major trade policy changes), it may take longer. Apply well before the CAPE filing window opens.

If You Already Have ACE Access

If you can already log in and view your entry summaries, your account is active. Skip to Step 3: Set Up Your ACH Refund Account.

Step 2: Verify Your Account Permissions

Once logged in, verify you have the correct permissions:

  1. Navigate to Account Management → My Account
  2. Confirm your Importer of Record (IOR) number is listed
  3. Check that you can access Entry Summary reports
  4. Verify you can see entries from the IEEPA tariff period (February 2025 – February 2026)

If you’re missing permissions or can’t see your entries, contact:

Working With Your Customs Broker

If your broker filed entries on your behalf, they may need to:

  1. Grant you visibility to your entries in ACE (if you want to review them yourself)
  2. File the CAPE declaration using their ACE account (if you’ve authorized them)
  3. Designate you as the refund recipient in the CAPE declaration

Clarify with your broker who will file the CAPE declaration and who will receive the refund disbursement.

Step 3: Set Up Your ACH Refund Account

CAPE refunds are disbursed exclusively through ACH (Automated Clearing House) direct deposit. You must register a separate refund bank account in ACE before your refund can be processed.

Why a Separate Refund Account?

CBP requires a dedicated ACH refund account that is distinct from your duty payment account. This is a security measure to prevent payment routing errors.

How to Register

  1. Log into ACE Portal
  2. Navigate to Account Management → Payment and Statement
  3. Select “Add Refund Account” or “ACH Refund Registration”
  4. Enter your bank details:
    • Bank name
    • ABA routing number (9 digits)
    • Account number
    • Account type (checking or savings)
  5. Submit for CBP verification

Verification Timeline

ACH account verification typically takes 5-10 business days. CBP may send a small test deposit to confirm the account is active. Set this up early — if your ACH account isn’t verified when your CAPE declaration is approved, your refund will be delayed.

Step 4: Confirm Everything Before Filing Day

Before the CAPE Phase 1 filing window opens, run through this checklist:

  • ACE Portal login works
  • Your IOR number is correctly listed
  • You can view entry summaries for Feb 2025 – Feb 2026
  • Entry data shows IEEPA Chapter 99 duties (HTS 9903.01.25 – 9903.01.70)
  • ACH refund bank account is registered and verified
  • You know who is filing the declaration (you or your broker)

Common Issues

”Account locked” or “Credentials expired”

ACE accounts may lock after inactivity. Use the portal’s password reset function or contact the ACE Help Desk.

”IOR number not found”

Your company’s IOR number may not be linked to your ACE account. Contact CBP Trade Relations with your EIN and IOR number to request linking.

”Cannot view entries”

Your broker may need to share entry visibility with you, or your account permissions may need updating. Contact your broker first, then CBP if needed.

”ACH refund account rejected”

Ensure the routing number and account number are correct. The account must be a U.S. bank account. International accounts are not supported for ACH refunds.

What Happens After CAPE Filing?

Once you file your CAPE declaration:

  1. CBP reviews your declaration (up to 45 days)
  2. Entries are liquidated (unliquidated entries) or reliquidated (recently liquidated entries)
  3. Refunds are calculated and consolidated by IOR + liquidation date
  4. ACH disbursement is sent to your registered refund account
  5. Total timeline: approximately 60-90 days from declaration acceptance

Need Help Setting Up?

If you’re having trouble with ACE access or ACH registration, our partner professionals can guide you through the process.

Get a Free Assessment →

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