CBP Updates ACE Portal To Enable Electronic Refund Enrollment
Trade Update • Oct. 7, 2025
Key Points
- CBP updated the ACE Secure Data Portal to support electronic refunds using Automated Clearing House (ACH), as directed by Executive Order 14247
- Trade Account Owners (TAOs) can now add U.S. bank details in the ACE Portal under a new ACH Refund Authorization tab.
- This update replaces the old manual ACH Refund Enrollment form for importers receiving refunds directly from CBP.
- Each bank account must be added for every 5106 EIN + Suffix level individually.
- In December 2025, CBP will allow additional user permissions to manage ACH information.
- Customs brokers can prepare for the change, but refunds will still be sent by check for now.
O
n September 30, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) updated the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Secure Data Portal to allow trade users to submit their U.S. bank information online and receive refunds electronically via ACH. This change supports the goal of modernizing payments as outlined in Executive Order 14247.
Importers and other trade parties who get refunds will no longer need to use the manual ACH Refund Enrollment form. Instead, Trade Account Owners (TAOs) with the importer sub-account can enter and update banking info directly in the portal. CBP also announced these changes in a Federal Register Notice on September 24, 2025.
Note: CBP has not switched to electronic-only refunds yet. This is an initial step to prepare for the transition.
Who Is Affected and How to Prepare
According to CBP, two groups of trade users are directly affected by this update:
- Importers who receive or may receive refunds from CBP
- Parties who receive or may receive refunds on behalf of importers (as designated via CBP Form 4811), also known as a “4811 Notify Party
Both groups should ensure they have an ACE Portal account with the appropriate Importer sub-account view. Parties acting as 4811 Notify Parties should verify they have the correct ACE Portal permissions to manage refund information.
How to Use the New ACH Refund Feature
- Log into the ACE Portal as the Trade Account Owner.
- Go to the Importer sub-account and click the ACH Refund Authorization tab.
- Click “Get Info/Refresh” to load any saved bank information or add new ACH bank details.
- Bank accounts must be added for each 5106 EIN + Suffix level separately because each is handled individually.
- Only the TAO can add or change this banking info right now. More user permissions will be available in December 2025.
For step-by-step instructions, see CBP’s detailed guide on ACH Bank Information for Electronic Refunds Quick Reference Card.
What It Means for Customs Brokers
- Brokers should update their ACE Portal accounts to prepare, but refunds will continue to be paid by check for now.
- Brokers must have Importer Sub Account access under their Broker Top Account because refunds are tied to IRS numbers (5106 EIN), not filer codes.
- For brokers without Importer Sub Account access, instructions for requesting it are available on CPB’s guide on Managing an ACE Portal Account.
Coming Soon: Easier ACE Portal Account Application
CBP is working on a new, automated way for trade users to apply for an ACE Portal account with the Importer sub-account view. This new process will make account creation faster and easier and is expected to launch on October 31, 2025.
If trade users who receive or expect to receive refunds from CBP do not yet have an ACE Portal account, CBP recommends waiting for this new streamlined application process.
For those who do not want to wait, they can still apply now by following CBP’s steps on Applying for an ACE Secure Data Portal Account. The current account creation process can take up to eight weeks.
Support and Resources
- CBP held a live support call for trade users on October 6 with updates and Q&A.
- For refund-related questions, contact revenuerefunds@cbp.dhs.gov or call (317) 298-1200 ext. 4015.
- For ACE Portal technical help, contact ACE Account Service Desk at ace.support@cbp.dhs.gov or (866) 530-4172.
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