CBP Goes Digital: Most Refunds Now Zipped Electronically Starting February
Published Date: 1/2/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting February 6, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will send almost all refunds electronically, making the process faster and easier for importers and businesses. If someone can’t get an electronic refund, they can apply for a rare paper check waiver. This change speeds up money returns and modernizes how refunds are handled.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
All CBP Refunds Sent Electronically
Starting February 6, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will issue refunds electronically by ACH to importers, brokers, filers, sureties, service providers, facility operators, foreign trade zone operators, carriers, and designated third parties. CBP will not mail refund checks after that date unless a waiver under 31 CFR 208.4 is approved.
U.S. Bank Account and ACE Enrollment Required
To receive electronic refunds, importers must provide ACH banking information using an ACE Portal account and must use a U.S. bank account. Foreign importers must open a U.S. bank account or designate a third party with a U.S. bank account and ensure that designated third party also enrolls in ACH refunds via the ACE Portal.
No Interest If Bank Info Causes Rejection
If CBP certifies an electronic refund for issuance within 30 days of liquidation or reliquidation but cannot deliver it solely because the recipient failed to provide necessary banking information, no interest will accrue under 19 U.S.C. 1505(d). Affected recipients must complete the ACH Refund application and notify CBP to request reissuance.
Estimated Net Cost Savings to Government and Trade
CBP estimates combined annualized net cost savings to the Federal government and trade members of about $1.3 million (2025 dollars, 3% discount) or $1.0 million (2025 dollars, 7% discount) over 2025–2034, with a present value of $28.7 million and an annualized net savings of $2.0 million using a 7% discount under CBP's perpetual horizon calculation.
Rare Waiver Allows Paper Checks
Paper U.S. Treasury refund checks may still be issued in rare circumstances if a recipient meets waiver criteria in 31 CFR 208.4. If an importer believes a waiver applies and wants a paper check, they must notify CBP's Revenue Division in writing at the address or email CBP provides.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13771 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension; Court-Ordered Refunds Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act Worksheet
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is asking to keep using a worksheet that helps track court-ordered refunds under a special emergency law. This affects businesses and agencies dealing with these refunds and asks for public comments by September 8, 2026. No new fees or big changes, just making sure the paperwork stays clear and useful.
2026-13577 — Accreditation and Approval of NMK Resources, Inc., (Pasadena, TX) as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory
NMK Resources, Inc. in Pasadena, TX, just got the green light to measure and test petroleum products for U.S. Customs starting September 18, 2024. This means they’re officially trusted to handle important fuel checks for the next three years, helping keep trade smooth and accurate. If you work with petroleum imports or exports, this update matters—no extra costs announced, just reliable testing ahead!
2026-13578 — Accreditation and Approval of NMK Resources, Inc. (Thorofare, NJ), as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory
NMK Resources, Inc. in Thorofare, NJ, just got the green light to measure and test petroleum products for U.S. Customs starting August 12, 2025. This means they’re officially trusted to handle important checks for the next three years, helping keep trade smooth and fair. Businesses dealing with petroleum can count on NMK’s services without any new fees or delays right now.
2026-13575 — Approval of The Strawn Group (Houston, TX) as a Commercial Gauger
The Strawn Group in Houston, TX, just got the green light to measure petroleum products for U.S. Customs starting September 27, 2024, and they’ll keep this job for three years. This means businesses dealing with petroleum can trust their measurements for customs paperwork, with the next check-up scheduled for 2027. No extra costs or delays are expected—just smooth sailing for accurate fuel gauging!
2026-13574 — Modification and Clarification of the National Customs Automation Program Test Regarding Post-Summary Corrections
Starting August 5, 2026, importers using the National Customs Automation Program test must follow new rules for fixing entry errors and paying any extra duties or fees. These changes make the correction process clearer and more efficient, helping importers avoid delays and surprises. If you’re involved in importing goods, get ready to update your systems and stay on top of payments to keep things running smoothly.
2026-13298 — Quarterly IRS Interest Rates Used in Calculating Interest on Overdue Accounts and Refunds of Customs Duties
Starting July 1, 2026, the IRS interest rates for customs duty payments and refunds are going up! Both companies and individuals will pay 7% interest on overdue amounts, while refunds will earn 7% for individuals and 6% for companies. If you deal with customs duties, these new rates could affect how much extra you pay or get back this quarter.
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