CBP Announces Phase 1 of ACE Portal Modernization

Trade Update • JANUARY 17, 2021

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced that it will be modernizing the Automated Commercial Environment Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal) over multiple phases in 2022.

The ACE Portal offers users real-time access to trade data through features such as ACE Reports, ACE account management, and electronic communication with CBP and Partner Government Agencies (PGAs). CBP says that its modernization effort will entail the transition of existing functionality to an upgraded platform, offering easier use and better performance.

Phase 1 of the ACE Portal Modernization will be deployed on January 22, 2022.

What Will Change for Users?

The Phase 1 enhancements will include a new homepage and login screen, along with a modernized Accounts user interface for viewing all account data and editing some basic information. Until future deployments, all other ACE Portal functionality will remain in the legacy ACE Portal.

Between January 22, 2022, and the final deployment of the ACE Portal enhancements, users will have access to both the legacy and new versions of the ACE Portal. During the period, CBP will continuously synchronize data between both versions.

Getting Started with the New ACE Portal

When accessing the new ACE Portal for the first time, users will select the “External Login” button and will be prompted to create a new username and password.

From there, users will complete a one-time sync of existing ACE Portal access permissions by entering their legacy ACE Portal username and password. Once this initial sync is complete, users may access the new ACE Portal with their new username and password (thereafter, access will be seamless between the two versions for each session).

Users will have one month to link their accounts and transition to using the new login page. Beginning February 20, 2022, users will no longer be able to log in from the legacy login page.

Other Upcoming ACE Deployments

Transition of the ACE Reports data universes to upgraded versions is set to take place on Jan. 20. The upgraded data universes have a suffix of “New” for easy identification (the associated tabs and standard reports will also be replaced by their ‘new’ counterparts).

According to the latest ACE Development and Deployment Schedule that was recently posted, CBP also plans to implement the following enhancements in the coming months:

• Functionality to improve debt management workflow, automate manual processing and reporting, and manage/ track debt collections
• Addition of a new account type to allow ocean carriers to log into the ACE Portal in order to launch the Vessel Entrance and Clearance System.