If you paid IEEPA tariffs and you’re waiting for a refund, there’s a number you need to know: 21,000.
That’s approximately how many importers are currently enrolled in ACE — CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment — out of the more than 330,000 importers who paid IEEPA (The International Emergency Economic Powers Act) tariffs. CBP disclosed those figures in an affidavit filed this past Friday. The gap isn’t just a statistic. It’s a warning. If you’re not in that 21,000, you may be locked out of your own money.
Why ACE Enrollment Matters for Your Refund
Since February 6th, CBP has required importers to be enrolled in ACH electronic refunds through ACE in order to receive any electronic payment from CBP — that includes periodic statement credits (PSC), drawback payments, and IEEPA refunds. This isn’t a preference or a convenience feature. It is a requirement.
There is no workaround. The only way to enroll in ACH electronic refunds is through ACE. No ACE account means no ACH enrollment. No ACH enrollment means no electronic refund — period.
The Refund Process Is Being Built Right Now — and the Clock Is Running
The Court of International Trade (CIT) is actively overseeing CBP’s refund process for IEEPA tariff payments. CBP has indicated that it intends the development of this refund mechanism to take approximately 45 days from March 6th — which puts the target completion date around late April. The CIT has scheduled a status update hearing for March 12th to hear from CBP on progress.
Here’s what that means practically: CBP is building a refund system on an aggressive timeline, and all signals point to that system running through ACE. If you are not enrolled by the time refunds become available, you will be standing at the door without a key.
How to Enroll in ACE Yourself
The good news: you can do this on your own. Here’s the step-by-step process.
Step 1 — Register Your Company
Go to https://ace-accounts.cbp.gov/s/importer-form and enter your company’s EIN, company name, and the email address you want granted access to ACE.
CBP will send a one-time passcode (OTP) to the email address currently on file with CBP — the one you submitted on your CF 5106. Important: this OTP expires in ten minutes or less, so be ready. Enter the OTP when prompted, complete the next step, and CBP will send a confirmation email within 2–3 minutes that your company is now enrolled.
Step 2 — Create Your ACE Portal Login
Go to https://ace.cbp.gov/s/login/, click Non-CBP User, then click Create Account and follow the prompts.
Step 3 — Add Your Bank Account for ACH Refunds
Once logged in, navigate to the Importer tab. From the home page under “Importer View,” scroll to the far right and look for the ACH Refund option. Click Refresh, then click Add and enter your bank information. Save it.
That’s it. Your ACH refund enrollment is active.
The Catch Most Importers Will Run Into
The OTP is sent to the email address CBP has on file from your CF 5106. If that email address is outdated, belongs to a former employee, or is simply no longer monitored, you will not receive the OTP and the process stops there. Getting your 5106 updated before attempting enrollment will save you a significant headache.
We’ll Handle It for You
We know the process looks straightforward on paper. But between tracking down the right email, watching the OTP timer, navigating ACE for the first time, and making sure your bank information is entered correctly — a lot can go sideways, and the stakes are real.
Simple Forwarding offers ACE enrollment as a service. For a small fee, we handle the entire process on your behalf — from verifying your 5106 information to confirming your ACH refund enrollment is live and ready.
With over 300,000 importers potentially in line for IEEPA refunds, and a CBP-built refund system coming online within weeks, this is not the moment to procrastinate.
Reach out to us today and let’s get you enrolled before the window opens.