While we are waiting for the courts and the government to determine the exact process for issuing tariff refunds, importers should take one important step now: make sure you are enrolled in CBP’s ACH refund system through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Portal.
Beginning February 6, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will no longer issue refund checks. Refunds will be sent only through electronic ACH payments, and businesses can receive those payments only if they are enrolled through the ACE Portal.
Right now, fewer than 10% of businesses are enrolled, which means many importers are not yet set up to receive refunds electronically. If your company imports goods—or works with companies that do—you should enroll now and encourage others you work with to do the same.
Below is a short fact sheet explaining what you need to know.
CBP Electronic Refund Requirement (Effective February 6, 2026)
Beginning February 6, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will issue refunds electronically through Automated Clearing House (ACH) rather than by paper check. This change applies to all CBP refunds, with limited exceptions.
The rule applies broadly across the trade community, including:
- Importers
- Customs brokers
- Filers and sureties
- Service providers
- Facility operators
- Foreign trade zone operators
- Carriers
- Any designated third parties listed on CBP Form 4811
In short, after February 5, 2026 CBP will generally no longer issue refund checks.
What Importers Need to Do
To receive a refund electronically, importers must use CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Secure Data Portal.
If you are already enrolled in the ACH Refund program:
- No action is required. Refunds will continue to be deposited electronically.
If you need to update your banking information:
- Update it through the ACH Refund application in the ACE Portal.
If you are not enrolled yet:
- Create an ACE Portal account (if you do not already have one).
- Complete the ACH Refund Authorization within the portal.
All applicants must provide a U.S. bank account for ACH deposits.
Third-Party Refund Recipients
If a refund is directed to a third party designated on CBP Form 4811, that third party must also:
- Have an ACE Portal account, and
- Complete the ACH Refund application.
Important: Importers Are Responsible for Enrollment
CBP places the responsibility on the importer to ensure the correct banking information is on file.
If CBP certifies a refund but cannot deliver it because the importer or designated third party has not provided ACH banking information, the refund will be rejected. In that case, no interest will accrue on the refund amount.
Importers should ensure their banking information is accurate and up to date in the ACE Portal.
Additional Resources
CBP has provided guidance materials and training opportunities for the trade community, including: Electronic Refund Enrollment Reference Sheet.
Action Item: Importers should ensure their ACE account is set up and that they have activated the automated refund authorization tool (ACH). Those who have not yet done so should visit https://ace-accounts.cbp.gov/s/importer-form to get started.