Preparation Notice for Importers Regarding ACE Portal Accounts
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is developing functionality within the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) that may be used to process potential refunds of duties assessed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), pending final procedures and guidance from CBP.
While CBP has not yet opened a refund submission process, the agency has informed the Court of International Trade that ACE programming is being developed to support refunds if and when procedures are finalized. Preparing now will help ensure refunds can be processed efficiently once CBP releases formal instructions.
What We Know So Far
CBP is developing ACE functionality related to potential IEEPA duty refunds.
Based on current CBP communications, the refund process is expected to occur through ACE once procedures are announced. Importers will likely need to submit declarations identifying affected entries. Brokers may assist when properly authorized by the importer.
ACE is expected to support CBP’s validation and review of entries and the processing of eligible refunds, including any resulting liquidation or reliquidation actions where authorized by CBP.
Any refunds approved by CBP, including applicable interest provided by law, are expected to be issued electronically.
Please note that CBP controls the timing, procedures, review, and approval of any refunds. Refund eligibility will be determined solely by CBP based on applicable law, court outcomes, and agency guidance.
ACE Portal accounts are established and managed directly by CBP. With the current governmental lapse in funding, coupled with the influx of clients/brokers applying for new ACE accounts, you should expect delays during this time.
For assistance confirming your ACE account status or obtaining portal access, please contact ACE Support:
1-866-530-4172 (Option 3)
Why Importers Should Maintain an ACE Portal Account
Receive Refunds Electronically
As of February 6, 2026, CBP issues refunds electronically through Automated Clearing House (ACH). Importers must be enrolled to receive ACH refunds through their ACE Portal account in order to receive electronic payments. Many importers are currently not enrolled for ACH refunds.
Visibility Into All Import Activity
The importer ACE Portal provides visibility into entries filed on the importer’s behalf, regardless of which customs broker filed the entry.
Customs brokers can only view entries filed under their own filer code.
Monitor Refund Activity
If a refund process is implemented, the ACE Portal will allow importers to monitor declarations, entry status, liquidation activity, and refund processing.
If You Do Not Maintain an ACE Portal Account
Importers without an ACE Portal account may designate an authorized party to receive refunds on their behalf.
This typically requires:
Submission of CBP Form 4811 (Special Address Notification), and
The designated party being enrolled to receive ACH refunds through ACE.
How Janel Group Can Assist
If you would like Janel Group to be eligible to receive refunds on your behalf and remit them to you after receiving receipt from CBP, we can assist. Please provide one of the following:
Written authorization via email, or
Completion of CBP Form 4811 designating Janel Group as the refund recipient. Contact your local branch if you need our Agent’s Number (Tax ID/EIN) to complete the Customs 4811 form.
What Janel Group Cannot Assist with:
We cannot set up an Importers ACE Account on their behalf.
We cannot see whether the Importer has an ACE Account or not.
We cannot view other Brokers entries in ACE.
Important Reminder
Enrollment for ACH duty payments does not automatically enroll you for ACH refunds. Refund enrollment must be completed separately within the ACE Portal.
CBP has not yet begun accepting IEEPA refund submissions. This notice is intended to help importers prepare in advance should CBP implement a refund process.
We will continue monitoring CBP guidance and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Helpful Resources
ACE Portal & ACH Refunds FAQs (CBP)
For assistance or questions, please contact your Janel Group representative. We are here to support you through these changes.