Beginning February 6, 2026, CBP will issue refunds electronically through ACH rather than by paper check, with limited exceptions. Per Federal Notice 2025-24171, importers or authorized receipts will be able to receive refunds electronically via ACH, eliminating the need for paper checks and manual refund enrollment forms. This change is part of the federal government’s broader initiative to modernize payments under Executive Order 14247, aiming for faster, safer, and more efficient transactions. This change will be effective February 6th, 2026, and CBP will not issue any refunds by check, unless a waiver has been approved after this date.

WHAT TO KNOW

  • As of February 6th, all refunds issued to an importer will be directed via ACH to the bank account in the importer’s portal.
  • If the importer has completed a Form 4811 which identifies an alternative recipient for refunds, all refunds subject to the 4811 as of 2/6/26 will be directed the party identified on Form 4811 via ACH. In this scenario, the designated receipt must have an active ACE Account with ACH Refund approval.
  • If both the importer and designated 4811 party does not have ACH Refund approval from CBP, no refund will be issued and there will be a manual process to get the refund once the importer completes the banking information (and interest will not be paid while pending).
  • All importers should log into their ACE portals and put in the banking information as soon as possible, but at least before February 6th.  If an importer does not have a portal, they will need to apply for one immediately (this can be done electronically). 
  • Even if an importer has directed refund checks to a 4811 party, they should still put in bank account information in their portal as a safeguard if for some reason a 4811 does not work.  Also, CBP states in the Federal Register that importers have an obligation to put in banking information as per the governing statute.   

WHAT’S NEXT


SEKO’s Guidance:

  • If not already completed, importers should immediately ensure they have an active ACE Portal Account with Import Sub-account view. This can be made by using the linked application.
  • Once an ACE Account is obtained, importers should authorize ACH Refunds via the ACE Portal. This can be done by using the linked training guide.


SEKO does not have ability to complete ACH Refund Authorization on behalf of clients. Each importer is responsible for completing ACH Refund Authorization directly in the ACE Portal. Importers who are pending refunds or expect future refunds should take these steps ASAP.


US Customs requires a US Bank Account to issue refunds to. If an importer does not have a US Bank account, an additional notify party must be added with a US bank account. The linked guide contains instructions on how to authorize a third party to receive refunds. 


These steps MUST be completed even if importers are enrolled in ACH Debit.


US Customs announced via CSMS 67305746 will be holding support calls to assist clients with enrollment. Schedule is listed below: