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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17390, Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest for Rail Cargo
Starting October 26, 2026, all rail cargo leaving the U.S. must have its export info sent electronically through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). This new rule helps Customs keep cargo safe and makes trade smoother for rail exporters. Rail companies and exporters should get ready because enforcement begins a year later, on October 26, 2027.
2026-12669, Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments and New Postal Informal Entry Process
Starting July 24, 2026, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is stopping the $800 tax-free rule for mail shipments coming into the U.S. Instead, a new process will handle these packages to better track and tax imports. This change affects anyone sending or receiving international mail and aims to protect U.S. revenue from unpaid duties.
2026-12670, Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Merchandise Arriving Through All Modes Other Than the International Postal Network
Starting June 24, 2026, small shipments worth $800 or less arriving by anything but the international postal network will no longer skip customs checks. This means everyone importing these goods must follow formal or informal entry rules, which could mean more paperwork and possible fees. If you’re a shopper, seller, or shipper using other delivery methods, get ready for this change and share your thoughts by July 24, 2026!
2026-20228, Agency Information Collection Activities; Court-Ordered Refunds Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act Worksheet
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is asking for public feedback on a form they use to handle court-ordered refunds under a special emergency law. This update keeps the paperwork clear and efficient for businesses and agencies involved. Comments are open until November 4, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-20229, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Collection of Information; Client Representative Technical Assistance Portal (CR-TAP)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is launching a new online portal called CR-TAP to help client representatives get technical assistance faster and easier. They’re asking for public feedback by November 2, 2026, before finalizing the system. This change aims to improve communication without adding extra costs or paperwork burdens.
2026-20171, Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision; Entry Summary
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is updating the paperwork they collect for entry summaries, which affects businesses and agencies involved in importing goods. They’re asking for public feedback by November 2, 2026, to make sure the process stays clear and efficient. No big cost changes are mentioned, but your input can help shape smoother trade paperwork!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19570, International Product Change-Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International & First-Class Package International Service Agreements
The Postal Service is adding new international shipping deals for Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, and First-Class Package International Service. These changes affect businesses and customers who send packages overseas, offering fresh contract options that could save money or speed up delivery. The updates were filed in early October 2025 and are now under review, so keep an eye out for when they go live!
Next: 2025-19574, Notice of Board Meeting
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board is holding a meeting on October 28, 2025, to review important reports about investments, budgets, and participant updates. This meeting affects federal employees who save for retirement and could influence how their funds are managed. Tune in to hear about financial wellness and new social science insights that might shape future decisions.