ACE Portal Setup for CAPE: Step-by-Step Guide

The CAPE portal operates inside CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). To file an IEEPA tariff refund claim, you need ACE portal access and an ACH banking profile configured for your importer of record (IOR) number. This step-by-step guide walks you through the setup process.

Step 1: Check Whether You Already Have ACE Access

Many importers already have ACE accounts, particularly those who manage their own customs filings or who have previously filed duty drawback claims. Check with your customs compliance team or customs broker.

If you don’t have ACE access, you’ll need to create an account at ace.cbp.dhs.gov. ACE account creation requires:

• Your company’s EIN (for business accounts)
• Your IOR number (or your customs broker can link theirs)
• Identity verification for the account administrator

Account creation typically takes 3-5 business days for CBP to process.

Step 2: Link Your IOR Number to Your ACE Account

Your ACE account must be linked to the importer of record number that appears on the entry summaries you’re claiming. If your broker filed as IOR and you’re coordinating with them, the broker’s ACE account already has the relevant IOR linkage.

If you’re filing directly:

1. Log into ACE at ace.cbp.dhs.gov
2. Navigate to Account Settings → Importer of Record
3. Confirm your IOR number is linked (it should appear in your account profile)
4. If not linked, follow CBP’s IOR registration process

Step 3: Configure ACH Banking for Refund Disbursement

This is the most commonly missed step. CAPE refunds are disbursed exclusively via ACH direct deposit — CBP will not issue paper checks for IEEPA refunds. You must have an ACH banking profile set up in ACE before filing your claim.

To add or verify your ACH profile:

1. Log into ACE
2. Navigate to: Account Management → Financial Management → ACH/EFT Settings
3. Select “Add Refund ACH Account” (distinct from the ACH account used for duty payments)
4. Enter your bank’s ABA routing number and your account number
5. Confirm the account type (checking vs. savings) and account name matching your IOR name
6. Submit — CBP typically validates new ACH profiles within 3-5 business days

Important: Do not submit your CAPE claim until ACH is confirmed. A claim submitted without a validated ACH profile will sit in a pending state while ACH is resolved, potentially delaying your refund by weeks.

Step 4: Retrieve Your Entry Records

From within ACE, you can access entry summaries for any entries filed under your IOR number. Navigate to:

• Entry Summary → Query → Filter by date range (Feb 2025 – Feb 2026) and port
• Export to CSV or spreadsheet for analysis

Look for entries that include Chapter 99 codes in the 9903.01.xx range — those are your IEEPA-liable entries.

If you used multiple brokers or freight forwarders, you may need to request entry records from each one separately, as some entries may not appear in your ACE account if a broker filed under their own IOR.

Step 5: Access the CAPE Module

Once your ACE account is set up and ACH is configured:

1. Log into ACE
2. Look for the CAPE module in your dashboard (it was added April 20, 2026)
3. Review CBP’s published CAPE user guide before filing
4. Prepare your declaration CSV in the correct format (see our CAPE portal explained guide)

Common ACE Setup Issues

“My company doesn’t have ACE access”: Contact your customs broker immediately. They have ACE access for your entries and can either add you as a sub-account or file on your behalf with power of attorney.

“I can’t find the CAPE module”: Make sure your ACE account is updated to the current version. Clear browser cache and try the direct CAPE URL published in CBP’s CAPE documentation.

“My ACH profile keeps failing validation”: Common causes include mismatched account names (ACE requires the account holder name to match the IOR name exactly), closed or incorrect account numbers, or credit union routing numbers that don’t appear in CBP’s routing database. Contact your bank and CBP’s trade help desk if this persists.

Related Resources

• What Is an Importer of Record? — Ensure your IOR situation is clear
• CAPE Portal Explained — The filing process after setup
• DIY vs. Expert Help — Is self-filing right for your situation?
• Check Your Eligibility