CBP issues all refunds electronically by ACH from February 6, 2026
CBP title: Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule Effective February 6, 2026
This message is from January 2, 2026. Later CSMS messages may have changed it. See the latest trade news
What did CBP announce?
CBP announced that from February 6, 2026 it would issue all refunds electronically by Automated Clearing House (ACH), with limited exceptions. The change came from the Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule published January 2, 2026. CBP added an automated ACH Refund Authorization tool and an automated importer account application in the ACE Portal. CBP asked importers and other parties expecting refunds after February 5, 2026 to review its enrollment reference sheet and prepare.
What is Allied's position?
This message meant importers needed ACH refund enrollment in the ACE Portal to receive CBP refunds from February 6, 2026. Refunds on the entries we file, such as drawback or IEEPA duty refunds, depend on the refund recipient's enrollment. Later CSMS messages may have changed details. Clients who are unsure of their ACH refund setup should ask Allied to review their account and entries.
General information, not legal advice.
What does the CBP message say?
Beginning February 6, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will issue all refunds electronically via Automated Clearing House (ACH) (subject to limited exceptions), as announced in the Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule published January 2, 2026 in the Federal Register (FR Document 2025-24171 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/02/2025-24171/electronic-refunds)). In preparation for this change, CBP recently improved the ACH refund sign-up process by:
- Adding an automated ACH Refund Authorization tool in the ACE Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal)
- Automating the ACE Portal’s importer account application, which is necessary to access the new ACH Refund Authorization tool
For importers and other parties who may receive CBP-issued refunds after February 5, 2026, review CBP’s Electronic Refund Enrollment Reference Sheet (https://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/cbp-modernizes-electronic-refund-enrollment-process) and take any necessary steps to ensure readiness for this mandatory transition.
For more information about refunds issued to authorized “4811 notify parties,” review the above-referenced IFR.