ACE Portal Setup Guide for CAPE IEEPA Refund Filing

What Is ACE and Why Do You Need It?

The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s primary trade processing system. It handles entry filings, entry summaries, duty payments, and post-entry amendments across virtually all import activity. To file an IEEPA refund claim through the CAPE portal, you must have active ACE credentials with your importer of record information on file.

If you already import commercially and have used a customs broker, your broker likely has your importer information registered in ACE. You may or may not have your own direct ACE access — many importers operate entirely through broker-filed entries without needing their own ACE login. For CAPE, you either need your own ACE access or you need to authorize your broker to file on your behalf.

Getting ACE Access: New Accounts

If you do not have an ACE account, follow these steps:

Step 1: Gather your information

• Company legal name (exactly as registered with the IRS)
• EIN (Employer Identification Number) or SSN for sole proprietors
• Business address
• Contact information for the account administrator

Step 2: Go to ACE.CBP.gov Navigate to the ACE Secure Data Portal at ACE.CBP.gov. Look for the “Request ACE Access” option.

Step 3: Submit your registration request Complete the online registration form. CBP will verify your information against IRS and business records. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days.

Step 4: Receive credentials CBP will issue login credentials via email. You’ll be prompted to set a password and configure multi-factor authentication.

Step 5: Set up ACH banking information Once you have ACE access, you must register your banking information (ABA routing number and account number) for ACH payments. Refunds are deposited via ACH — there is no alternative. This setup can be done in the ACE importer profile settings.

If You Already Have ACE Access

Log in to your existing ACE account and verify:

1. Your business name and EIN are current and match your CBP 7501 entries
2. Your ACH banking information is registered and active
3. Your account is linked to the correct IOR number (the one that appears on your 7501s)
4. Your account status is “Active” — if it has gone dormant, contact CBP to reactivate

Accessing Entry Summary Data in ACE

For CAPE filing, you’ll need your entry summary data. In ACE, navigate to the Entry Summary section and search by your IOR number and date range. You can filter by:

• Entry date range (your IEEPA window)
• Port of entry
• Country of origin

Export your entry data to CSV or review it directly in the portal. This data forms the basis of your CAPE submission CSV.

Understanding the CAPE CSV Format

CBP published a CAPE CSV template on the portal. Each row represents one entry line. Required fields include:

• Entry number (the format is typically a letter + 9 digits)
• Entry date (consumption date from 7501)
• HTS code
• Country of origin
• Dutiable value (in USD)
• IEEPA duty rate applied
• IEEPA duty amount paid

The CSV is limited to 9,999 rows per submission. If you have more entries, split them into multiple files. Keep each file under the row limit.

Common CSV formatting mistakes that cause CAPE rejections:

• Using semicolons instead of commas as delimiters
• Including header rows on subsequent continuation files
• Leading zeros stripped from entry numbers (entry numbers must maintain their full format)
• Dates formatted inconsistently (use YYYY-MM-DD throughout)

After Submission

After submitting your CAPE CSV, CBP will issue an acknowledgment. Processing time is estimated at 60–90 days for straightforward claims. CBP may contact you for supplemental documentation if entries cannot be verified. Approved refunds are deposited via ACH to the registered bank account.

Check your ACE account periodically for status updates. CBP does not typically proactively notify claimants of progress between acknowledgment and payment.