CBP Rolls Out New Help Portal for Clients
Published Date: 5/7/2026
Notice
Summary
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is launching a new online tool called the Client Representative Technical Assistance Portal (CR-TAP) to make it easier for clients to get help and share info. They’re asking for public feedback by July 6, 2026, to make sure this new system works well and doesn’t create extra hassle or costs. This change affects anyone who works with CBP and wants smoother, faster support.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
New CBP Technical Support Portal
CBP is launching the Client Representative Technical Assistance Portal (CR-TAP) so trade participants can notify, identify, track, and communicate technical issues that affect Automated Broker Interface (ABI) and Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) electronic cargo transactions. The portal is intended to streamline operations and improve communications between trade users and select CBP personnel.
CBP Monitoring to Improve Processes
CBP personnel will monitor, process, and manage CR-TAP inquiries to streamline operations, improve documentation of technical issues in a central location, and provide better security and privacy. The system is intended to enhance communications and improve processes between the trade and CBP.
Account Creation Requires EIN or SSN
To establish an ACE Portal account, participants must submit personal information such as their name and either an employer identification number (EIN) or a social security number (SSN), and, if applicable, a statement certifying their capability to connect to the internet. This information is submitted through the ACE Secure Data Portal.
Estimated Time Burden for Responding
CBP estimates 18,000 respondents will use CR-TAP, with 3 responses per respondent per year (54,000 total responses). Each response is estimated to take 5 minutes, for a combined total of 4,500 annual burden hours.
Multiple Access Options for Portal
Trade participants will be able to access CR-TAP via the ACE Portal or through a separate link at http://clientservicesportal.cbp.gov. This gives users more than one route to reach the technical assistance application.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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