CBP CRTAP: Client Rep technical assistance portal test

CBP announced a voluntary test of the Client Representative Technical Assistance Portal (CRTAP), a new case management system for technical assistance requests to CBP Client Representatives. The general notice (FR Doc. 2026-22501) is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on November 4, 2026 (public-inspection PDF linked in sources). Signed by Susan S. Thomas, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade. Authority: 19 CFR 101.9(a).

Voluntary CRTAP test: max nine participants. Starts 30 days after FR publication (by our count Dec 4, 2026) and runs 45 days unless extended, modified, or ended by FR notice.

What CRTAP is for

Client Representatives sit in the Client Services Division (CSD), Trade Transformation Office, Office of Trade. They support trade use of ACE and related cargo systems. Today, trade members contact their assigned Client Representative by telephone or email. There is no centralized repository and no feasible tracking of those requests. CRTAP is designed to provide a secure, centralized intake and standardized workflows so CBP can capture, track, and close technical assistance cases. CSD branches named in the notice cover post-summary processing; cargo release and PGA; air and truck manifest; entry summary and post-summary corrections; AES and FTZ; and ocean and rail manifest.

This is another CBP 19 CFR 101.9 general test, in the same family as the ACE Electronic Export Manifest truck cargo test and the Entry Type 13 Informal Mail Entry ACE test. It does not change ACE Portal login authentication covered in ACE Portal SMS login authentication.

Who can join and how to apply

The voluntary test is limited to brokers, self-filers, software providers, FTZ operators, AES users, and AMS users. Maximum of nine participants. CBP selects for broad trade-community representation and ability to give feedback. The test starts 30 days after Federal Register publication (by our count December 4, 2026) and runs 45 days unless extended, modified, or ended by a later Federal Register notice (by our count, through about mid-January 2027). CBP accepts participation requests from the publication date until the test concludes. Public comments are accepted until the test commences.

Apply by email using the address in the notice. State interest, trade role, assigned Client Representative if any, how participation will benefit CRTAP development, and agreement not to share CRTAP access information. Participants must take part in an evaluation. Participation is not confidential: names may be disclosed under FOIA. The test is Paperwork Reduction Act exempt because it is limited to nine or fewer participants.

Action items

• Brokers, self-filers, software providers, FTZ operators, AES users, and AMS users who want tracked Client Rep case history should weigh applying (nine-participant cap).
• Use the email address and subject line in FR Doc. 2026-22501; do not share any CRTAP access credentials if selected.
• Plan feedback for the required evaluation; comments on the test are welcome until the test starts (by our count December 4, 2026).

CRTAP concerns technical assistance case management for ACE and related systems. It does not change duty, entry, or drawback filing rules, and the portal does not handle drawback claims. Drawback filers whose brokers or software providers use Client Representatives may still benefit from tracked case history when technical ACE issues affect filing operations. Ordinary drawback eligibility and process remain under 19 U.S.C. 1313 (how to file a duty drawback claim).

This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Drawback eligibility depends on your specific facts, and final refunds are determined by CBP at liquidation. Consult a licensed customs broker or attorney for your situation.