Uncle Sam Ready to Cut Checks From Import Penalty Pot
Published Date: 5/26/2026
Notice
Summary
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is ready to share money collected from extra duties on certain imported goods with American producers who were hurt by unfair dumping or subsidies. If you’re an affected producer, you need to submit your claim by July 27, 2026, or you’ll miss out on the payout. This notice explains how to apply and get your share through electronic payment for Fiscal Year 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 7 costs, 0 mixed.
60-Day Certification Deadline (July 27, 2026)
If you want a FY2026 CDSOA distribution, you must submit a certification electronically at https://www.pay.gov or have it received at CBP's Indianapolis address by July 27, 2026. Any certification received after July 27, 2026 will be summarily denied and you will be ineligible for the payout.
Funds May Be Recovered After Payment
If CBP later determines an overpayment occurred, amounts distributed are recoverable and CBP may use garnishments, court orders, administrative offset, the Treasury Offset Program, or offset of tax refunds to recover funds. Claimants must keep records supporting their certification for five years.
FY2026 Offsets Will Be Paid Out
If you are an affected domestic producer (manufacturer, producer, farmer, rancher, or qualifying association) you may receive a distribution of assessed antidumping and countervailing duties and certain interest for Fiscal Year 2026. CBP intends to distribute these continued dumping and subsidy offsets for the listed orders and findings for FY2026.
Time Window Limits Which Costs Qualify
Qualifying expenditures are only those incurred after the order or finding date and before its termination. For orders not revoked prior to October 1, 2007, eligible expenditures must have been incurred before October 1, 2007; for orders revoked before that date, expenses must be before the revocation effective date.
NAFTA-Origin Goods Are Excluded
CBP will not issue distributions for antidumping or countervailing duties that derive from goods from countries that were parties to NAFTA; those cases are not listed on CBP's Preliminary Amounts report and will not receive distributions.
Associations and Successors Face Joint Liability
If an association files for members it must provide powers of attorney and is jointly and severally liable with members for any repayments. A successor company that claims distributions consents to joint and several liability for return of any overpayments previously paid to the predecessor.
Sequester Netted But Distribution Timing Delayed
OMB required a 5.7 percent sequester reduction of assessed duties and interest in the CDSOA Special Account for FY2026, but CBP intends to include those temporarily sequestered funds in the FY2026 offset and distribute them. CBP will distribute amounts (including sequestered funds) not later than 60 days after the first day of Fiscal Year 2027.
Electronic Payment Required; ACH Form Due Oct 1, 2026
Distributions made after March 22, 2024 must be paid by electronic funds transfer unless a Treasury waiver applies. Any new or updated ACH Refund Enrollment Form to receive payment by EFT must be submitted electronically at https://www.pay.gov no later than October 1, 2026.
Claimant Identity and Amounts Will Be Public
CBP will make public the claimant's name, the total dollar amount claimed, and the total dollar amount actually disbursed to that producer. Submitting a certification is treated as acceptance that this information will be disclosed; claiming proprietary confidentiality may cause rejection.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20650, Low-Value Shipments
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing new rules to make importing low-value goods (under $2,500) easier and more electronic, especially for mail shipments. They want to add new data requirements for carriers and require bonds for some shipments to keep things safe and smooth. If you’re involved in shipping or receiving small packages, get ready to adapt by December 7, 2026, when comments on these changes close.
2026-17390, Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest for Rail Cargo
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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!
2026-12669, 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.
2026-20228, Agency Information Collection Activities; Court-Ordered Refunds Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act Worksheet
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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.
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