CBP Switches to Electronic ACH Refunds February 6, 2026: What Importers Need to Know
Update (February 5, 2026): The deadline is TOMORROW (February 6). If you haven't enrolled in ACH refunds through your ACE Portal account, take action immediately.
Key Takeaways
- Effective February 6, 2026, CBP will issue all refunds electronically via Automated Clearing House (ACH)
- Paper Treasury checks are being eliminated for most recipients
- Importers, brokers, filers, and sureties must enroll through the ACE Portal
- A valid U.S. bank account with a U.S. routing number is required
- Non-compliance means delayed or inaccessible refunds
What's Changing?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is modernizing how it issues refunds for overpayment of duties, taxes, fees, and other payments. Starting February 6, 2026, CBP will no longer mail Treasury checks for most refunds. Instead, all refunds will be deposited directly into enrolled bank accounts via ACH.
This change implements Executive Order 14247, "Modernizing Payments To and From America's Bank Account."
Who Is Affected?
This requirement applies to:
- Importers of record
- Licensed customs brokers
- Customs filers
- Sureties
- Service providers
- Facility operators
- Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) operators
- Carriers
Essentially, if you receive any refunds from CBP—whether from duty drawback claims, liquidation adjustments, protest refunds, or overpayments—you must enroll.
How to Enroll in ACH Refunds
For ACE Portal Account Holders
- Log in to the ACE Portal
- Navigate to the "ACH Refund Authorization" tab
- Enter your banking information:
- U.S. bank account number
- U.S. bank routing number
- Your Federally assigned Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- Submit the enrollment
If you have multiple TIN suffix codes, you must submit a separate enrollment for each.
For Inactive or Voided ACE Accounts
- Inactive accounts: Log in and reactivate your account, then complete the ACH enrollment
- Voided accounts: Contact CBP Bonds team at (317) 614-4880 or email BONDQUESTIONS@CBP.DHS.GOV to reactivate
For Non-ACE Portal Users
If you're a harmed domestic producer or an individual receiving a fine/penalty refund, enroll through Pay.gov using Login.gov or ID.me credentials.
What If You Don't Enroll?
Without ACH enrollment, CBP cannot issue your refund electronically. This means:
- Delayed refunds while your enrollment is processed
- No paper checks in most cases (limited waivers available)
- Potential cash flow disruptions for businesses expecting refunds
Waiver Process (Limited Circumstances)
Paper Treasury checks may still be issued in limited circumstances specified in 31 CFR 208.4. To request a waiver:
- Email FRN-ACHREFUNDSUPPORT@CBP.DHS.GOV
- Include:
- Importer identification
- Pending refund details
- Specific waiver provision you're relying on
The burden is on the importer to demonstrate that waiver criteria apply.
Benefits of Electronic Refunds
While this change requires action, it offers real benefits:
- Faster refunds – Direct deposit eliminates mail delays
- Reduced risk – No lost checks, stolen mail, or fraudulent endorsements
- Lower costs – No check processing or deposit fees
- Reliable delivery – No undeliverable address issues
Important Contacts
| Issue | Contact |
|---|---|
| ACE Portal account errors | ACESUPPORT@CBP.DHS.GOV |
| Bank routing number errors | (317) 298-1200 ext. 1178 or GMB.ACHREFUNDSUPPORT@CBP.DHS.GOV |
| Voided ACE accounts | (317) 614-4880 or BONDQUESTIONS@CBP.DHS.GOV |
| Waiver requests | FRN-ACHREFUNDSUPPORT@CBP.DHS.GOV |
CBP Form 4811 Considerations
If you've designated a third party on CBP Form 4811 to receive refunds, that third party must also:
- Have an ACE Portal account
- Complete their own ACH enrollment
Forms filed before February 6, 2026 remain valid for third-party authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a U.S. bank account?
Yes. ACH refunds require a U.S. bank account with a U.S. routing number. Foreign-based companies may need to work with their customs broker or establish a U.S. banking relationship.
What refunds are affected?
All CBP refunds, including:
- Duty overpayment refunds
- Duty drawback payments
- Liquidation adjustments
- Protest refunds
- Fine and penalty refunds (if combined with other refunds)
- Miscellaneous overpayments
I'm already enrolled in ACH—do I need to do anything?
If you're currently enrolled in the ACH Refund program, your refunds will continue without interruption. However, verify your banking information is current through the ACE Portal.
What happens to pending refunds after February 6?
Refunds pending on or after February 6, 2026 will only be issued via ACH. If you're not enrolled, your refund will be held until enrollment is complete.
Related Reading
- Duty Drawback Program Guide – Maximize refunds on re-exported goods
- Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ) Guide – If you're an FTZ operator affected by this change
- CBP Compliance: Avoiding Penalties and Audits – Stay compliant with CBP requirements
- De Minimis Exemption Ends 2026 – Another major regulatory change this year
Take Action Now
With only days until the deadline, here's your action plan:
- ✅ Log in to ACE Portal – Verify your account is active
- ✅ Check the ACH Refund Authorization tab – Confirm your banking info
- ✅ Update if needed – Ensure account/routing numbers are current
- ✅ Notify third parties – Alert any designated refund recipients
How Duty Simulator Helps
Managing customs compliance means staying on top of regulatory changes like this one. Duty Simulator helps importers and brokers:
- Track classification changes that affect duty rates
- Identify potential refund opportunities from misclassification
- Automate compliance monitoring so you never miss a deadline
Try Duty Simulator free and simplify your customs workflow.
This article reflects CBP requirements as of February 4, 2026. For the most current information, visit CBP's ACH Refund page.