CBP Extends Automated Trade System Applications
Published Date: 5/7/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
New Import Trade Carrier Account (VECS)
CBP added a new ACE account type for Import Trade Carriers to enable users to file vessel entrance, clearance, and related data electronically through the Vessel Entrance and Clearance System (VECS).
ACE Information Collection Extended
CBP is seeking an extension of the information collection for the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). If your business uses ACE, this action continues the current application process and the public comment deadline is June 8, 2026.
Electronic Protest Filing Without ACE Account
ACE includes a standalone capability to file protests electronically for participants who have not created full ACE Portal accounts. Trade members can establish a protest filer account through a separate application and submit required data elements.
Use of EIN or CBP Number Instead of SSN
When establishing an ACE Portal account, CBP will use an employer identification number (EIN) automatically if you have one; a CBP-assigned number may be provided in lieu of your Social Security Number (SSN).
Application Field Change: 'Gender' to 'Sex'
Section four of the ACE application for Air Carrier/Rail Carrier/Sea Carrier/Truck Carrier/Driver/Crew was updated on February 6, 2025 to change the field label from "gender" to "sex" to comply with the Executive Order issued January 20, 2025.
Estimated Paperwork Burden for ACE Applications
CBP estimates 21,571 import ACE applicants at 20 minutes each (7,118 total annual hours); 9,000 export ACE applicants at 4 minutes each (594 total annual hours); and 3,750 protest filer applicants at 4 minutes each (248 total annual hours).
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16432, Imposition of Import Restrictions on Categories of Archaeological and Ethnological Material of Nepal
This document amends U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations to reflect the imposition of import restrictions on certain archaeological and ethnological material from the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal (Nepal). These restrictions are imposed pursuant to an agreement between the United States and Nepal, entered into under the authority of the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act. This document amends the CBP regulations by adding Nepal to the list of countries which have bilateral agreements with the United States imposing cultural property import restrictions and contains the Designated List, describing the archaeological and ethnological material to which the restrictions apply.
2026-15610, Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension; Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). The information collection is published in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.
2026-15609, Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision; Cargo Manifest/Declaration, Stow Plan, Container Status Messages and Importer Security Filing
The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). The information collection is published in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.
2026-15530, Customs User Fees To Be Adjusted for Inflation in Fiscal Year 2027
This document announces that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is adjusting certain customs user fees and corresponding limitations established by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) for Fiscal Year 2027 in accordance with the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) as implemented by the CBP regulations.
2026-15310, Air Declaration Zone Test: Extension
This notice announces that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is extending the Air Declaration Zone Test for an additional two years. Current CBP regulations require each traveler to provide a CBP officer with an oral or written declaration of all articles brought into the United States. The Air Declaration Zone Test streamlines the processing of travelers who enter the United States at air ports of entry by allowing a demonstrative initial declaration to separate travelers who do not have items to declare from those who have items to declare and, in some cases, replace the provision of oral or written declarations.
2026-14310, Notice of Issuance of Final Determination Concerning Philips North America LLC Ultrasound System 5100 POC Series
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has officially decided that the Philips Ultrasound System 5100 POC Series is made in the USA. This means the key work that turns parts into the final product happens right here, which can affect trade rules and government buying. If anyone wants to challenge this, they have until August 17, 2026, to speak up.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09105, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Collection of Information; Client Representative Technical Assistance Portal (CR-TAP)
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.
Next: 2026-09107, Agency Information Collection Activities; Reinstatement, With Change, of a Previously Approved Collection for Which Approval Has Expired: Alien Change of Address
USCIS is bringing back the Alien Change of Address form with some updates after its approval expired. If you’re a non-citizen living in the U.S., you’ll need to keep your address info current to avoid trouble. Comments on these changes are open until July 6, 2026, and there’s no new fee, just a smoother process.