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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13575 — Approval of The Strawn Group (Houston, TX) as a Commercial Gauger
The Strawn Group in Houston, TX, just got the green light to measure petroleum products for U.S. Customs starting September 27, 2024, and they’ll keep this job for three years. This means businesses dealing with petroleum can trust their measurements for customs paperwork, with the next check-up scheduled for 2027. No extra costs or delays are expected—just smooth sailing for accurate fuel gauging!
2026-13574 — Modification and Clarification of the National Customs Automation Program Test Regarding Post-Summary Corrections
Starting August 5, 2026, importers using the National Customs Automation Program test must follow new rules for fixing entry errors and paying any extra duties or fees. These changes make the correction process clearer and more efficient, helping importers avoid delays and surprises. If you’re involved in importing goods, get ready to update your systems and stay on top of payments to keep things running smoothly.
2026-13577 — Accreditation and Approval of NMK Resources, Inc., (Pasadena, TX) as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory
NMK Resources, Inc. in Pasadena, TX, just got the green light to measure and test petroleum products for U.S. Customs starting September 18, 2024. This means they’re officially trusted to handle important fuel checks for the next three years, helping keep trade smooth and accurate. If you work with petroleum imports or exports, this update matters—no extra costs announced, just reliable testing ahead!
2026-13578 — Accreditation and Approval of NMK Resources, Inc. (Thorofare, NJ), as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory
NMK Resources, Inc. in Thorofare, NJ, just got the green light to measure and test petroleum products for U.S. Customs starting August 12, 2025. This means they’re officially trusted to handle important checks for the next three years, helping keep trade smooth and fair. Businesses dealing with petroleum can count on NMK’s services without any new fees or delays right now.
2026-13298 — Quarterly IRS Interest Rates Used in Calculating Interest on Overdue Accounts and Refunds of Customs Duties
Starting July 1, 2026, the IRS interest rates for customs duty payments and refunds are going up! Both companies and individuals will pay 7% interest on overdue amounts, while refunds will earn 7% for individuals and 6% for companies. If you deal with customs duties, these new rates could affect how much extra you pay or get back this quarter.
2026-13273 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision; Entry Summary
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is updating the paperwork they collect for entry summaries, which affects businesses importing goods. They want your feedback by August 31, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too time-consuming. This update aims to keep things smooth without adding extra costs or delays.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09104 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Reinstatement; Petition for Remission or Mitigation of Forfeitures and Penalties Incurred
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is bringing back a form that lets people ask for a break on fines or penalties they’ve been hit with. If you’ve faced a penalty, this form helps you explain why you think it should be reduced or canceled. You’ve got until June 8, 2026, to share your thoughts before the government finalizes the process—no extra fees, just your chance to speak up!
Next: 2026-09106 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension; Application To Use Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is asking to keep collecting info for businesses using their Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system. This extension means importers and exporters can keep using ACE without interruption, and the public has until June 8, 2026, to share their thoughts. No new fees or big changes—just a smooth continuation of the current process.