Beginning February 6, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will issue all refunds electronically via Automated Clearing House (ACH) and will largely eliminate the use of paper Treasury checks, subject only to limited waiver-based exceptions. This requirement is set forth in CBP’s Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule, published in the Federal Register on January 2, 2026, which amends CBP regulations to mandate electronic refunds and aligns CBP’s payment practices with federal electronic funds transfer requirements.
To support implementation of the new rule, CBP has enhanced functionality within the ACE Secure Data Portal. As announced in CSMS #67270895, CBP has deployed an automated ACH Refund Authorization tool and automated the ACE Portal importer account application, which is required to access ACH refund enrollment. Importers and other parties who may receive CBP-issued refunds after February 5, 2026 should review the Electronic Refund Enrollment Reference Sheet and complete any required ACH setup in advance to avoid refund delays.
The interim final rule also clarifies refund processing where an importer has designated a third party—such as a licensed customs broker or attorney— to receive refunds on their behalf. Refunds issued to such authorized parties will likewise be made electronically, provided the designated party is properly enrolled in ACH through ACE. Importers should confirm both their own ACH enrollment and the enrollment status of any designated third-party recipients to ensure uninterrupted receipt of CBP refunds once paper checks are phased out. Please contact one of our attorneys if you have questions.
