What triggers ACE Portal account inactivation?

CBP automatically deactivates an ACE Portal user account after 45 consecutive days without a successful login. The account is not deleted — the underlying data, account hierarchy, and entry history all remain — but the user can no longer access ACE until the account is reactivated. This 45-day clock applies per user (the human login), not per importer-of-record account. A Trade Account Owner (TAO) and a Trade Account User on the same IOR each have their own independent 45-day clocks.

Why does this matter for a CAPE filing?

CAPE Declarations can only be submitted by an active ACE Portal user with one of three roles: Importer, Filer, or Organizational Broker, with the CAPE function enabled on that account. If your TAO last logged in to renew or audit your IOR information months ago and has been inactive since, that account is locked. You cannot file the CAPE Declaration, you cannot designate a broker, and you cannot view CAPE validation results — until reactivation is complete.

How do I reactivate a deactivated ACE user account?

For an inactive Trade Account Owner account, CBP's June 16, 2026 guidance says to email ACE.Support@cbp.dhs.gov from the email address associated with the TAO account and include 'reactivation' in the subject line. The automation will return confirmation or follow-up instructions. Non-TAO users must still be reactivated by their company's TAO.

Can my customs broker file my CAPE Declaration if my own account is locked?

Yes, if you have a properly authorized Customs Broker with Filer or Organizational Broker access to your IOR's ACE account, that broker can file the CAPE Declaration on your behalf — even while your TAO account is locked. The broker must already have the required authorization and must meet CBP's CAPE filing rules.

What's the deadline pressure for reactivation given Phase 2 timing?

CAPE Phase 1 remains open and CBP plans to deploy Phase 2 reconciliation functionality on June 29, 2026. The 180-day protest window from liquidation still runs independently. Importers preparing reconciliation entries should restore TAO access, confirm ACH banking, and identify the filing broker before June 29.

ACE Portal Locked? Reactivate Your Account Before Filing CAPE

Your IEEPA refund could be sitting in CBP’s queue waiting for you to file a CAPE Declaration. You log into the ACE Portal — and you’re locked out. The 45-day inactivity timer is an easy CAPE blocker to overlook.

This guide explains the reactivation paths, when to use each one, and how to keep at least one account active during the refund cycle.

The 45-Day Rule

CBP deactivates an ACE Portal user account after 45 consecutive calendar days without a successful login:

The clock is per user, not per importer-of-record account.
The TAO and each Trade Account User have independent timers.
The underlying account data is not deleted.
A locked user cannot access CAPE, reports, banking information, or account administration until reactivated.

Start with the normal ACE login. If the credentials still work, complete any reactivation prompt shown by ACE.

If the password is unavailable:

Use the ACE password-reset option.
Confirm the reset email goes to the address currently associated with the account.
Log in and verify the TAO role, IOR list, broker access, and CAPE function.

If the registered email belongs to a former employee, move to the account-support path.

Reactivation Path 2: Use CBP’s Automated TAO Email

CBP updated its IEEPA Duty Refunds FAQ on June 16, 2026 with a new automated route:

Send an email from the address associated with the inactive TAO account.
Send it to ACE.Support@cbp.dhs.gov.
Include reactivation in the subject line.
Follow the confirmation or additional instructions returned by CBP.

This automation is for Trade Account Owners. Non-TAO users still need their company’s TAO to reactivate them.

Reactivation Path 3: Find the Current TAO

If nobody at the company knows who controls the account:

Email ACE.Support@cbp.dhs.gov.
Put Trade Account Owner Lookup in the subject line.
CBP’s automation will notify the current TAO and send confirmation to the requestor.

If the listed TAO has left the company, use the ACE Portal Account Application Web Form to update TAO information and be prepared to document authority for the change.

What If the Account Needs More Than Reactivation?

Some access failures involve account ownership, entity records, or role assignments rather than a dormant login. Be ready to provide:

the IOR and IRS numbers;
the last-known username and registered email;
company authorization for a new TAO;
identity or EIN verification requested by CBP; and
broker authorization records where applicable.

Do not assume a restored login means the account is CAPE-ready.

Post-Reactivation CAPE Checklist

After access returns, verify:

The correct Trade Account Owner is listed.
The IOR number matches the affected entries.
The filing broker has the required authorization.
ACH refund banking is current.
CAPE and relevant ACE reports are visible.
Reconciliation entries are separated by whether an Entry Type 09 is already on file.
Protest deadlines are calendared independently of CAPE.

What If You Cannot Reactivate Before Filing?

An authorized customs broker may be able to file eligible CAPE declarations while the importer’s user account is unavailable. That does not eliminate the need to verify the refund recipient and ACH information.

Do not let account access consume a legal deadline:

file or evaluate a protective protest within 180 days of liquidation;
prepare eligible reconciliation entries for the June 29 Phase 2 deployment; and
obtain Court of International Trade advice for material finally liquidated claims.

Keep the Account Active

Once access is restored:

schedule a monthly login for the TAO and essential users;
monitor CAPE status and refund reports;
maintain a backup authorized administrator;
keep the registered email under company control; and
verify ACH information after any banking or ownership change.

CAPE Portal Guide is not a law firm, customs broker, or government agency. For account-specific access problems, work directly with CBP, your customs broker, or qualified trade counsel. Request a free assessment if your access issue overlaps with filing or protest deadlines.