What is an ES-003 file and how do I get it?
Quick answer
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.
Detailed Answer
The ES-003 entry-summary CSV is the universal data format that every U.S. customs broker and importer of record can produce from the ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) portal. It is the only file Tariffi accepts — a strategic constraint that keeps the CAPE preparation process deterministic and auditable.
What it contains:
- Entry numbers (unique identifiers for each customs entry)
- HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) codes at the line level
- Duty amounts paid per entry
- Entry dates and liquidation dates
- Country of origin codes
- Importer of record (IOR) numbers
- Filer codes identifying which broker filed each entry
How to get it:
Option A — Your current customs broker. Contact your broker and request an "ES-003 entry-summary CSV export from ACE, filtered by your IOR number." Every licensed customs broker has ACE access and can generate this report. This is the most common path — most importers do not have direct ACE portal access.
Option B — Direct ACE portal access. If you are the Trade Account Owner (TAO) on your ACE portal account, you can export the ES-003 directly. Log in to ace.cbp.gov, navigate to your importer account, and generate the entry-summary report. If you do not have ACE access yet, our portal signup guide walks through the application process.
Option C — Multiple brokers. If your company uses several customs brokers, each can export their portion of your entries. Tariffi supports multi-file upload and automatically groups entries by IOR number to create a consolidated view. This is common for mid-market and enterprise importers with multi-broker portfolios.
What about PDF or other formats? Tariffi only accepts ES-003 CSV files. We do not accept PDF entry summaries, screenshots, or manually typed data. The CSV format ensures data integrity and enables automated cross-referencing against the CAPE-eligible tariff schedule.
Related Questions
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.
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.
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 know if my entries are eligible?
Upload your ES-003 entry-summary CSV at tariffi.io/intake/start. Tariffi's analysis engine automatically cross-references each entry's HTS codes against the CAPE-eligible tariff schedule, checks liquidation status, identifies disqualifying factors, and shows you a per-entry breakdown of eligible amounts and applicable fee tiers.
Need help?
Upload your ES-003 to see how much you could recover, or talk to our team.