New ACE Password Rules and
Extensions to COVID-Related
Section 301 Exclusions

September 30, 2021

ACE Portal Password Rule Changes

Customs announced in CMS #49635008 updates to the ACE password rules, which will be effective 10/3/2021. These updates comply with Department of Homeland Security and Customs policy changes.

When users log into their ACE accounts on 10/3/2021, they will be required to change their passwords to conform with the following rules:

1. The password must contain at least 15 characters.
2. It needs to include at least 2 letters.
3. The password must also contain a combination of uppercase letters, lower case letters, and numbers.
4. And finally, the password must use at least one of the following symbols: ! " # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . / : ; < = > ? @ [ ] ; ^ _ ` { | } ~

User passwords cannot:

• Contain your User ID,
• Contain your first or last name,
• Cannot contain any consecutively repeated characters,
• Cannot be the same as a previously used password, and
• Cannot be the reverse of a previously used password.

After changing your password, you will receive a confirmation message that states: “Your password change was successful. Please close all browser sessions and load a new browser session to log in."

If users experience any issues in changing their password, users should contact ACE support through the www.cbp.gov/ace-support or by calling the CBP Technology Support Center at 1-866-530-4172.

USTR Granted Extensions to COVID-Related Exclusions

The USTR announced on September 29, 2021 (86 FER 54011) its determination for a 45-day extension of the 99 product exclusions that were set to expire at midnight 9/30/2021. The article descriptions are covered under headings 9903.88.62, 9903.88.63, 9903.88.64 and 9903.88.65 will be extended until midnight 11/14/2021.

The exclusions or medical-care or COVID response products were originally announced in 85 FR 85831 (12/29/2020).  An updated worksheet is located on our website.

If you have questions about filing an exclusion request, seeking a refund of past duties paid under Sec. 301, and/or discussing Sec. 301 duty avoidance strategies, such as use of Country of Origin transference or use of “First Sale” valuation, contact George R. Tuttle, III at geo@tuttlelaw.com or at 415-986-8780.

The information in this article is general in nature and is not intended to constitute legal advice or to create an attorney-client relationship with respect to any event or occurrence and may not be considered as such.

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Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  However, because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by our offices or by others, we do not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of any information and are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of such information.