ACE (Automated Commercial Environment)
ACE (the Automated Commercial Environment) is the United States' “single window” system for trade — the primary platform through which the trade community files import and export data electronically with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the many Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) involved in cross-border trade (FDA, USDA, EPA and others).
Through ACE, importers, brokers and carriers submit entries, manifests, the Importer Security Filing, and PGA data in one integrated system, and CBP processes clearance, cargo release, and duty/tax accounting. By consolidating what were once many separate submissions, ACE streamlines clearance, enables risk-based processing, and provides reporting and account management. It is the system of record and the channel through which US import clearance happens. For importers, customs brokers, carriers and software integrating with US customs, connecting to and filing through ACE (and its message/API interfaces) is essential. Understanding ACE is central to importing into and exporting from the United States. It is the digital backbone of US customs and trade processing.
ACE is how trade data actually reaches US Customs and the partner agencies — one system for entries, manifests, ISF and FDA/USDA/EPA data. Integrating with ACE is the practical requirement for clearing goods in the US, so it sits at the heart of any US-facing customs or freight platform.
What is ACE?
The US single-window system for filing import/export data with CBP and Partner Government Agencies — entries, manifests, ISF and agency data in one platform.
Who files through ACE?
Importers, customs brokers, carriers and trade software, which submit and process clearance electronically, often via message or API interfaces.