Hello Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
We want to provide an important update regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) new Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule and upcoming changes affecting how importers receive duty refunds. Beginning February 6, 2026, CBP will transition to issuing virtually all refunds electronically through Automated Clearing House (ACH). Paper checks will no longer be the default method of refund payment.
Key Update on CBP Electronic Refunds
- Effective February 6, 2026, CBP will issue all refunds electronically via ACH, with only limited exceptions.
- The rule was announced in the Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule (IFR) published in the Federal Register on January 2, 2026 (FR Doc. 2025-24171).
- Anyone wishing to receive CBP refunds—including importers, customs brokers, and authorized 4811 notify parties—must have ACH refund information on file with CBP.
Enhancements to the ACH Enrollment Process
CBP has recently streamlined and automated the ACH refund setup process by:
- Adding a new ACH Refund Authorization tool within the ACE Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal).
- Automating the ACE importer account application, which is required before a party can access and complete the ACH refund authorization.
These improvements are intended to make the transition faster and more efficient for importers and other refund recipients.
What Importers Should Do Now
- Review CBP’s Electronic Refund Enrollment Reference Sheet, which outlines how to authorize ACH refund delivery through the ACE Portal.
- Confirm you have an active ACE Portal importer account.
- Complete and submit ACH refund authorization information well before February 6, 2026.
- If you expect to receive refunds but are not yet enrolled in ACH, begin the process immediately to avoid delays in receiving funds owed to you.
Why This Matters
- After February 5, 2026, refunds will no longer be issued by check except under narrow circumstances.
- Importers who have not completed ACH enrollment may experience delayed or undeliverable refunds.
- Parties identified as authorized 4811 notify parties should review the Interim Final Rule to understand eligibility and process requirements.
We will continue monitoring CBP guidance and share updates as implementation progresses. If you have questions regarding ACH setup, ACE Portal access, or refund management strategies, the team at Krenz & Hannan International is here to assist.
Sincerely, Your friends at Krenz & Hannan International