What is the ACE portal?
Quick answer
ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) is CBP's online portal for processing trade-related transactions. Importers and brokers use ACE to file entry summaries, manage protests, submit CAPE declarations, and configure ACH refund information. You do not need direct ACE access to use Tariffi — your customs broker partner handles ACE transmission.
Detailed Answer
ACE is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's centralized online system for all trade-related electronic transactions. Understanding what it is helps you navigate the tariff refund process.
What ACE does:
- Processes import and export entry summaries
- Manages customs protests and CAPE declarations
- Handles ACH refund enrollment and banking information
- Provides entry-summary reports (including the ES-003 export that Tariffi uses)
- Manages broker and importer account relationships
Who has ACE access:
- Licensed customs brokers — all brokers have ACE access as part of their CBP licensing.
- Importers of record — importers can apply for their own ACE portal account. Our ACE signup guide walks through the process.
- Trade Account Owners (TAOs) — the primary administrator for an importer's ACE account, with ability to manage users and permissions.
Do you need ACE access to use Tariffi?
No. Your ES-003 file can come from your customs broker (who has ACE access). The CAPE declaration is filed by the broker partner through their ACE account. The only reason you might want direct ACE access is to:
- Export your own ES-003 without asking your broker
- Configure ACH bank information for direct refund receipt (see our ACH setup guide)
- Monitor entry and protest status independently
ACE and refund payments. Per Executive Order #14247 (March 2025), all CBP refunds are now paid via ACH. If you want refunds sent directly to your bank account (instead of through Tariffi's managed process), you need ACE access to configure your banking information.
Related Questions
What is an ES-003 file and how do I get it?
An ES-003 is CBP's standardized entry-summary export from the ACE portal in CSV format. It contains all data needed for CAPE declarations: entry numbers, HTS codes, duty amounts, and liquidation dates. Your customs broker can pull it, or you can export it directly from ace.cbp.gov if you have portal access.
What documents do I need to file a CAPE declaration?
You need your ES-003 entry-summary CSV from the ACE portal — the universal export every U.S. broker and importer of record can produce. Tariffi extracts all required data (entry numbers, HTS codes, duty amounts, liquidation dates) from this single file. No additional paperwork is required to start the process.
Do I need a customs broker for a tariff refund?
Yes. Federal law (19 U.S.C. § 1641) requires a CBP-licensed customs broker to file CAPE declarations. Tariffi is a data-preparation platform, not a broker — we prepare your declaration data and route it to a licensed broker partner who reviews, approves, and transmits under their own ABI filer code at no extra cost to you.
How do I get a tariff refund?
Upload your ACE ES-003 entry-summary CSV to Tariffi. Our platform analyzes your entries for IEEPA and Section 301 overpayments, prepares the CAPE declaration data, and routes it to a CBP-licensed customs broker partner who files under their own license. No advance fees — you pay a contingency only when CBP approves your refund.
Need help?
Upload your ES-003 to see how much you could recover, or talk to our team.