Automated commercial environment

What is the automated commercial environment (ACE)?

The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is the U.S. electronic Single Window platform for all trade processing, including all manifest, cargo release, post-release, export and Partner Government Agency (PGA) data. This commercial trade processing system is designed to automate border-crossing processes and enhance border security, and the U.S. government uses it to determine the admissibility of an import.

The international trade community uses ACE to report imports and exports and to receive communication from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) about cargo clearance and admissibility.

How do I use the automated commercial environment (ACE)?

CBP facilitates the global exchange of safe and legitimate goods via access to ACE through two channels:

• The ACE Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal): a free, web-based access point designed to connect CBP, trade partners and Partner Government Agencies

• ACE Electronic Data Interchange (EDI): a communication framework that provides standards for exchanging data via electronic means

Each method provides different capabilities. ACE users should choose their access method based on the specific trade activity and its requirements. These activities include:

• Sending Importer Security Filing data

• Filing an import air, ocean or rail manifest

• Filing an import truck manifest

• Filing an electronic in-bond

• Filing an entry

• Filing an entry summary

• Filing an E214

• Filing a protest

• Filing liquidations, reconciliations or drawback requests

• Running reports

• Creating blanket declarations

• Submitting supporting documents for cargo release (CBP and PGA forms)

• Submitting supporting documents for entry summary (CBP and PGA forms)

• Responding to a request for documents (e.g., CBP Forms 28, 29, 4647)

• Managing account and periodic monthly statement information

• Managing account and daily statement information

• Making post-summary corrections

• Filing export air, ocean and rail manifest

• Filing and exporting commodity data

• Managing in-bond authorizations

Which automated commercial environment (ACE) access method should I use?

The best method to access ACE depends on the specific trade activity. Capabilities vary between electronic data interchange (EDI) and the ACE portal, so choosing the correct option is critical. CBP provides an overview of ACE capabilities on its website.

What is the automated commercial environment (ACE) secure data portal?

The ACE Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal) is a free, web-based portal designed to provide real-time access to trade data. The portal connects CBP, trade partners and PGAs importing goods into the United States.

Features available in the ACE Portal include:

• ACE reports

• ACE account management

• Electronic communication with CBP and PGAs

To view ACE information and updates, trade partners and government entities must:

1. Create a top-level ACE Portal account

2. Select appropriate sub-access types

3. Set up user profiles