Guidance on CBP’s Upcoming Transition to Electronic Refunds

On February 6, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will begin issuing all refunds electronically via Automated Clearing House (ACH). CBP will no longer issue checks for refunds, except in limited circumstances.

To receive electronic refunds, importers must have an Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Portal account with the Importer sub-account view. The ACE Portal streamlines accounting and reporting processes by enabling importers to search and review payments owed to CBP, including statements as they accrue throughout the month. Upon CBP’s transition to electronic refunds next month, the ACE Portal will also facilitate all CBP-issued refunds.

If you don’t already have ACE Portal account access, learn how to apply for an account here.

• If your company already has access but the person who used to run your company account has left, importers may use CBP’s automated ACE Portal application to apply directly for a top account with the Importer sub-account view.

Once you have an ACE Portal account, ensure you’re ready to receive electronic refunds:

• Step 1: After logging in to your ACE Portal account, navigate to the Importer sub-account view.
• Step 2: Open the “ACH Refund Authorization” tab.
• Step 3: Select “Get Info/Refresh” to check whether your bank account information is already set up with CBP. If no ACH bank information is found, the option to select “Add ACH Info” will appear.
• Step 4: Select “Add ACH Info” to add your bank account information, and follow the instructions detailed in CBP’s ACH Bank Information for Electronic Refunds guide.
  • Refunds can only be sent to U.S. bank accounts. Importers without a U.S. bank account, such as foreign importers of record, must either open a U.S. bank account or designate a third party who can receive refunds on their behalf (such as a customs broker). Brokers can be authorized via the 4811 process to receive refunds on behalf of their importers.

To avoid delayed electronic refunds, importers should confirm ACE Portal access and start the electronic refund enrollment process today. Review CBP’s Electronic Refund Enrollment sheet for a complete overview of the process.

If you’re unable to open an ACE Portal account or cannot access the ACH Refund Authorization tab within ACE, contact the ACH Refund Support help desk at (317) 298-1200 x 1178 or GMB.ACHREFUNDSUPPORT@cbp.dhs.gov.

Flexport is here to help businesses navigate these upcoming changes. Please reach out to your account manager or brokerage team for further guidance.