Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule Effective February 6, 2026

ACH Electronic Refunds Will Be Required For Duties, Taxes, and Fees By CBP on Feb 2, 2026

We are available to assist Importers that are having trouble getting started.  Please note that this is not optional for most Importers.  Very few exceptions to this requirement for electronic refunds.  In preparation for possible IEEPA and Reciprocal tariff refunds these updates must be made.  Recommend that this be prioritized ahead of the February 6 deadline.
 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is requiring all importers to transition to electronic refunds via Automated Clearing House (ACH) for duties, taxes, and fees, effective February 6, 2026. This change, implemented under an Interim Final Rule (IFR), will eliminate paper check refunds.
 
To receive electronic refunds, importers must enroll through their ACE Portal by adding banking information using the new ACH Refund Authorization tool. ACH refunds offer faster processing (typically 1–2 business days) and enhanced security. Limited waivers for paper checks may be available in exceptional circumstances.
 
Next Steps

• Ensure ACE Portal access: Importers must have an active ACE Portal account. If you do not have an account, you will need to apply. Instructions for new accounts are available on the CBP website.

• Confirm account ownership: If you are unsure whether your company has an ACE account, who the Trade Account Owner is, or if the Trade Account Owner needs to be updated, please contact the ACE Help Desk for assistance and to submit the necessary requests.

• Review available guidance: Refer to the ACE Portal FAQs for additional clarification.

 We are available to assist importers who encounter difficulties during setup. Please note that this requirement is mandatory for most importers, with very limited exceptions. To ensure eligibility for potential IEEPA and reciprocal tariff refunds, these updates must be completed. We strongly recommend prioritizing this action well in advance of the February 6 deadline.

Disclaimer from Progressive Trade Consulting: PTC is not a law firm, does not practice law, and does not provide legal advice. The Client should consult legal counsel for any legal matters, including trade compliance. The Importer of Record (IOR) is responsible for complying with customs regulations and managing the import process. This includes obtaining required licenses and permits, classifying and valuing goods correctly, declaring goods accurately, paying duties and taxes, following import rules, and maintaining proper records.