As of February 6, 2026, CBP has begun issuing refunds electronically via ACH, subject to limited exceptions. This change is pursuant to the Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule, published January 2, 2026, in the Federal Register.
We encourage all importers to sign up for and maintain their own ACE Portal accounts due to the private and confidential nature of the banking information associated with refund deposits. Having direct access will also help streamline the refund process, not only for CBP refunds related to PSCs, but also for the anticipated refunds related to the IEEPA tariffs.
Trade members must ensure that they have an ACE Portal account and that ACH banking information is submitted so CBP can issue refunds electronically. Once an ACH Refund application is successfully submitted and approved in the ACE Portal, all future refunds will be issued electronically to the designated U.S. bank account. Failure to provide CBP with the required banking information will result in a certified refund being rejected, and no interest will accrue on rejected refunds.
CBP strongly encourages the trade community to review available resources related to the transition to electronic refunds and take any necessary action. Links to these resources can also be found on the main ACE webpage:
· ACE Portal and ACH Refunds FAQs
· ACH Refund Enrollment Overview
· ACH Refund Enrollment Support Call Schedule
· ACE Portal Updates to Enable Electronic Refund Enrollment
· Automated ACE Portal Application for Importer Accounts
· ACE Portal Feature for Trade Users to Add Notify Parties
· ACH Refund Enrollment in the ACE Portal Training Guide