Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
CBP is launching the CAPE refund portal (~April 20, 2026). Phase 1 covers the majority of effected entries but we understand some entries will not be able to refunded initially (Drawback related, FTZ, etc). Approved refunds will be refunded via ACH. Check refunds were expired earlier in 2026 before the courts decision to mandate customs to refund IEEPA tariffs. Refunds are NOT automatic. You must file and be set up in the ACE portal.
1. Create an ACE Portal Account
If you have not set up your ACE portal yet, Please follow the new process outlined by US Customs. (Also outlined in 04.06.26 K&H Customer Advisory)
Apply at: ace-accounts.cbp.gov/s/importer-form
2. Enroll in ACH Electronic Refunds
Once logged in to your ACE Portal account, add ACH refund information under the ACH Refund Authorization tab
ACH enrollment guidance: cbp.gov/document/guidance/ace-portal-ach-bank-information-electronic-refunds
3. No U.S. Bank Account — Designate a Payee via CBP Form 4811
Non-resident importers without a U.S. branch bank or U.S. based importer not able to set up own ACE portal can designate Krenz and Hannan to receive the refund on your behalf, using CBP Form 4811 (Appointment of Unpaid Agent). Please contact our office for more information. Krenz and Hannan has NOT established a fee structure for processing refunds and accepting refunds on IORs behalf. More information will be available once the refund process is solidified.
4. Review Your Entry Data
Identify all eligible IEEPA entries (Feb 4, 2025 – Feb 24, 2026) and prepare filing. You can do this through the reporting capabilities within your ACE portal. We understand there will be an IEEPA tariff specific report in ACE/CAPE to make this easier for importers.
Krenz and Hannan remains at your service to prepare you for IEEPA refunds. That being said, we have many clients’ experiencing problems with their ACE Portal. Unfortunately, you must communicate with those challenges directly with ACE Support.
**** It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to review previous Customer Advisories ( 1/13/26 & 2/4/26) linked here to review the updated tariff refund procedure. We strongly suggest immediately registering for an ACE Portal account, if you haven’t already, and following the ACH REFUND AUTHORIZATION procedure.
Sincerely, Your friends at Krenz and Hannan International