WHAT IS ACE? 

The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is the computerized system through which the trade community reports imports and exports and the government determines admissibility. ACE has modernized and streamlined trade processing across all business capabilities, including Manifest, Cargo Release, Post Release, Export and Partner Government Agencies (PGAs). ACE allows manual processes to be streamlined and automated, and includes the elimination of paper, making the overall clearance process faster and more accurate. The ACE system enables the exporter to manage transactions and communicate with CBP in a paperless environment. This added convenience and process simplification lowers operating costs and improves cycle times.  ACE also allows the international trade community to comply with U.S. laws and regulations more easily and efficiently.  make the overall clearance process faster and more accurate. The ability to manage transactions and communicate with CBP in a paperless environment adds convenience and simplifies the process, lowering operating costs and improving cycle times make the overall clearance process faster and more accurate. The ability to manage transactions and communicate with CBP in a paperless environment adds convenience and simplifies the process, lowering operating costs and improving cycle times.

Click here for the ACE Direct User Guide* https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/aesdirect/AESDirect-User-Guide.pdf