Customs Program Switches to Electronic Duty Payments Soon
Published Date: 10/16/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting December 15, 2025, importers and their brokers in the National Customs Automation Program must pay any extra duty bills electronically using Automated Clearinghouse (ACH). This change makes paying underpaid duties faster and smoother, while all other rules from the test stay the same. If you’re part of this program, get ready to switch to electronic payments and keep your shipments moving without a hitch!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Non-Compliance Can Lead to Penalties and Suspension
If a test participant fails to follow the test terms, fails to deposit duties timely, misuses the ACE Portal, or otherwise misconducts, CBP may impose civil and criminal penalties, administrative sanctions, liquidated damages, and/or suspend the participant from the PMS test. A notice proposing suspension will be provided in writing and may be appealed to the Director, Revenue Division within 15 calendar days; in cases of non-payment, late payment, or willful misconduct, suspension may be effective immediately.
Supplemental Duty Bills Must Be Paid Electronically
Starting December 15, 2025, importers and their brokers participating in the Periodic Monthly Statements (PMS) test must pay supplemental duty bills that result from underpaid estimated duties, taxes, and fees by electronic Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) only. Supplemental duty bills may no longer be paid by check; you must choose ACH Debit (submit via Pay.gov) or ACH Credit (follow CBP instructions) and include the supplemental bill number and payment amount for each bill.
How to Make ACH Payments (Pay.gov or CBP Instructions)
For supplemental duty bills you must either (1) pay via ACH Debit by establishing a Pay.gov account and submitting the electronic payment through Pay.gov, or (2) pay via ACH Credit by contacting CBP at the provided email address to obtain payment instructions. For both methods you must provide the supplemental duty bill number and the payment amount for each bill; CBP provides further payment details at its bill-payments webpage.
PMS Participation Requires Specific Capabilities
To participate in the PMS test, an importer or designated broker must (1) have internet access, (2) be able to make periodic payments via ACH Debit or ACH Credit, (3) be able to file entry/entry summary via the Automated Broker Interface (ABI), (4) provide a bond covering periodic payments, and (5) maintain a good standing account with CBP.
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