Customer Advisory: U.S. Compliance Update

Per the Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule published January 2, 2026 in the Federal Register, followed by CSMS # 67270895 - Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule Effective February 6, 2026, CBP will issue all refunds electronically effective February 6, 2026. This rule applies to refunds issued to all importers, brokers, filers, sureties, service providers, facility operators, foreign trade zone operators, and carriers, and any designated third parties listed on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 4811.

After this date, CBP will not issue any refunds by check, unless a waiver has been approved. Comments on the Interim Final Rule are due March 3, 2026. Kindly refer to: CSMS # 67305746 - ICYMI: Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule Effective February 6, 2026

CBP recently improved the ACH refund sign-up process by:

• Adding an Automated Clearing House (ACH) Refund Authorization tool in the Automated Commercial Environment Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal).
• Automating the ACE Portal’s importer account application, which is necessary to access the new ACH Refund Authorization tool.

Also review: CBP Modernizes Electronic Refund Enrolment Process

For importers and other parties who may receive CBP-issued refunds after Feb.5, 2026, review CBP’s Electronic Refund Enrollment Reference Sheet and take any necessary steps to ensure readiness for this mandatory transition.

To help the trade community prepare for the mandatory transition, CBP will hold user readiness support calls on the following dates and times:

• Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST. Join via Microsoft Teams
• Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST. Join via Microsoft Teams
• Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST. Join via Microsoft Teams

STAY AHEAD – ONE FORWARDER, ONE BROKER = OVERALL COMPLIANCE

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