Effective February 6, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires all refunds to be issued electronically through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system. Paper Treasury checks have been discontinued except in limited waiver-based cases. To receive any IEEPA tariff refunds, importers must have an active account in CBP's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Secure Data Portal and must be enrolled in ACE's electronic funds transfer (EFT) system.

This page provides step-by-step guidance on establishing an ACE account, enrolling in ACH refunds, and managing portal features.

Step 1: Determine If You Already Have an ACE Account

Before applying for a new ACE Portal account, check whether your company already has one. If your company has used a customs broker, your broker may have already set up an account on your behalf. Contact ACE Support at ace.support@cbp.dhs.gov to verify.

Step 2: Identify Your Sub-Account Type

Determine which sub-account type your company needs based on your business activity. Most importers seeking IEEPA tariff refunds will need an Importer sub-account. Visit CBP's Introduction to an ACE Secure Data Portal Account page for details on sub-account types.

Step 3: Designate an Account Owner

Select an individual or entity to serve as the manager of your corporate ACE account. The Account Owner does not need to be the company owner.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

For importers with an existing CBP Form 5106 on file, use the new automated application tool at CBP's website. The direct link for importers is: https://ace-accounts.cbp.gov/s/importer-form. For protest filers, exporters, or other trade activities, see CBP's Applying for an ACE Portal Account page for the appropriate application links. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, though high volumes may cause delays.

Step 5: Log In and Set Up Your Account

Once your account is established, the Account Owner may log in at https://ace.cbp.gov/, set up the account, and create user profiles and sub-accounts. CBP's Managing an ACE Secure Data Portal Corporate Account page provides detailed step-by-step instructions.

Step 6: Enroll in ACH Electronic Refunds

As of February 6, 2026, CBP issues all refunds electronically via ACH. To enroll, navigate to the ACH Refund Authorization tab within the ACE Portal under the importer sub-account view, and enter your U.S. bank account information. You must have a U.S. bank account to receive ACH refunds. If you have designated third parties listed on CBP Form 4811, they must enroll separately. Refunds typically arrive within 1-2 business days once enrolled. Importers who are not enrolled may face delays in receiving refunds.

CBP Resources

Applying for an ACE Secure Data Portal Account: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/how-to-use-ace/portal-applying

Introduction to an ACE Secure Data Portal Account: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/how-to-use-ace/portal-introduction

Managing an ACE Secure Data Portal Account: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/how-to-use-ace/portal-managing

ACE Portal and ACH Refunds FAQs: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/ace-portal-and-ach-refunds-faqs

ACE Portal Login: https://ace.cbp.gov/

ACE Portal Training Materials: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/ace/training-and-reference-guides

ACE Support: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/ace-support

Automated ACE Portal Account Application for Importers (guide): https://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/automated-ace-portal-account-application-importers

Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule (January 2, 2026): https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/02