When importing goods into the United States, careful oversight is essential. One of the most important tools available to importers is the ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) portal account. Having your own ACE account allows you to access your official customs records directly, rather than relying only on third-party reports.

Why Having an ACE Account Matters

• Transparency: An ACE account gives you direct visibility into the entry summaries and duty payments filed on your behalf.

• Control: You can confirm that all information is accurate and up to date before funds are withdrawn by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

• Recordkeeping: Your ACE account provides a central place to securely track your import history, which is especially helpful for audits, compliance reviews, and year-end reporting.

The Importance of Reviewing Customs Statements

Even when working with a licensed customs broker, it’s important for importers to stay actively involved in the process. By reviewing your Periodic Monthly Statements (PMS) or daily statements before payments are made, you can:

• Catch errors early (such as incorrect HTS codes, duties, or fees).

• Avoid unnecessary overpayments.

• Maintain strong internal controls and compliance practices.

• Reduce the chance of costly corrections later.

How J.O. Alvarez, Inc. Can Support You

At J.O. Alvarez, Inc., we work closely with our clients to help ensure the customs process runs smoothly. Ultimately, importers have the final oversight of their accounts, but our Compliance Department is here to make that process easier. We can:

• Assist in setting up your ACE account.

• Walk you through how to access and read your customs statements.

• Set up a process with you to review preliminary statements before they are sent for payment, helping to identify potential issues in advance.

• Provide guidance if questions arise about what you are seeing.

Having your own ACE account and reviewing your customs statements is not just good practice—it is a proactive step that strengthens compliance and protects your business. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, so you can feel confident in the accuracy of your customs filings and payments.

📩 For assistance, please contact our Compliance Department at [email protected].