CBP Updates CAPE FAQ and ACE Portal Account Application
CBP updated their CAPE FAQ document on 5/20/26 with new questions and responses.
CBP also recently published CSMS # 68228015 - New ACE Portal Account Application Now Available with the following information:
On April 1, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released a modernized ACE Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal) account application for the trade community. The new digital web form facilitates:
· Submission of information to CBP when applying for a new ACE Portal top account
· Requests to update Account Owner information
· Communication with CBP on the account setup process
The modernized tool also adds enhanced processing features for CBP personnel.
Going forward, applicants are strongly encouraged to use the applicable web-based ACE Portal application for faster processing by CBP. CBP will temporarily continue to accept the legacy PDF-based application during the initial roll out period for the new web-based application. The application is available on the legacy application webpage and can be submitted to ACE.Applications@cbp.dhs.gov.
For more information on applying for an ACE Portal top account, review the Applying for an ACE Secure Data Portal Account webpage.
For information on how to add one or more sub-accounts to an existing ACE Portal top account, review the Managing an ACE Secure Data Portal Account webpage
1. To update the Trade Account Owner: CBP modernized ACE Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal) account application for the trade community. See CSMS # 68228015 - New ACE Portal Account Application Now Available
(1) There is a new process to update the Trade Account Owner for an existing active ACE Portal Account. This below link is for CBP’s new Web Form for the ACE Secure Data Portal Application; it replaces the legacy PDF form. This web based form allows for faster processing by CBP
Link: https://aceaccountreview.cbp.gov/
(2) For information on how to add one or more sub-accounts to an existing ACE Portal top account, review the Managing an ACE Secure Data Portal Account webpage
(3) If you need to create a new ACE Portal Top Account with the Importer Sub-Account View, please follow this link
2. If you need help identifying the Trade Account Owner (TAO) email ace.support@cbp.dhs.gov with the subject line “Trade Account Lookup”, and provide your full legal name and your EIN, SSN or Customs assigned number. CBP will email the TAO.
3. If you are looking to add an Importer Sub-Account view to an existing Broker Top account, there is a new electronic form submission process https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/how-to-use-ace/portal-applying
Please see below
Updated: Application for All Other Trade Activities
Use this application to:
(1) Apply for a new ACE Portal top account with any other sub-account view,
(2) Apply for a new ACE Portal top account with any type of sub-account for multiple sub-account identifier numbers,
(3) Add one or more sub-accounts to an existing top account,
(4) Add one or more sub-account identifiers to an existing sub-account view
Direct CBP questions to:
· For technical questions about IEEPA refunds, email: IEEPARefunds@cbp.dhs.gov
· For general inquiries about IEEPA refunds, email: traderelations@cbp.dhs.gov
For further questions or discussion, please contact your South East World Wide (Chicago), Ltd. Sales Representative.