CBP Electronic Refunds: Mandatory ACH Transition Effective February 6, 2026
Introduction
Starting February 6, 2026, Customs and Border Protection will fundamentally change how importers receive refunds. The Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule, published January 2, 2026 in the Federal Register, mandates that all CBP-issued refunds will be processed exclusively through Automated Clearing House (ACH) electronic transfers. For importers who haven't enrolled in CBP's ACH refund program, this deadline represents an urgent action item—miss the enrollment window, and your refunds could face significant delays or processing complications.
This regulatory shift affects every importer who has ever received or may receive a refund from CBP, including duty drawback payments, refunds from Post Summary Corrections, and any other CBP-initiated reimbursements. With less than a month until implementation, understanding what's changing and how to prepare is essential for maintaining smooth import operations.
What's Changing on February 6, 2026
The End of Paper Refund Checks
Under the new Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule, CBP will no longer issue paper checks for refunds. All refunds will be transmitted electronically via the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network directly to the importer's designated bank account. This transition applies to:
- Duty refunds from Post Summary Corrections (PSCs)
- Drawback payments
- Refunds resulting from protests
- Any other CBP-initiated refund payments
Limited Exceptions
While the rule mandates electronic refunds as the default, CBP has acknowledged that limited exceptions may apply in specific circumstances. However, importers should not assume they qualify for an exception. The prudent approach is to enroll in ACH refunds immediately to ensure uninterrupted access to any refunds owed.
Why CBP Is Making This Change
This modernization effort aligns with broader government initiatives to streamline payment processing, reduce administrative costs, and improve security. Electronic transfers are faster, more traceable, and eliminate the risks associated with paper checks—lost mail, check fraud, and processing delays. For importers, ACH refunds typically arrive within days rather than weeks, improving cash flow and reducing administrative burden.
Key Improvements to the ACE Portal
In preparation for this mandatory transition, CBP has recently enhanced the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Portal to streamline the enrollment process:
New Automated ACH Refund Authorization Tool
CBP has added an automated ACH Refund Authorization tool within the ACE Secure Data Portal. This new feature allows importers to:
- Submit ACH refund authorization electronically
- Update banking information securely
- Verify enrollment status in real-time
- Manage refund preferences for their import accounts
Streamlined Importer Account Applications
The ACE Portal's importer account application process has also been automated. This is particularly important because access to the new ACH Refund Authorization tool requires an active importer account in the ACE Portal. If you don't already have an ACE Portal account, you'll need to establish one before you can enroll in electronic refunds.
How to Prepare: Step-by-Step Enrollment Guide
Step 1: Review CBP's Electronic Refund Enrollment Reference Sheet
CBP has published an Electronic Refund Enrollment Reference Sheet that provides detailed instructions for the enrollment process. This document should be your primary resource for understanding the specific requirements and steps involved.
Step 2: Verify Your ACE Portal Access
Before you can enroll in ACH refunds, you need an active account in the ACE Secure Data Portal. If you don't have one:
- Visit the ACE Portal registration page
- Complete the importer account application (now automated for faster processing)
- Wait for account approval and activation
Step 3: Gather Required Banking Information
To complete ACH enrollment, you'll need:
- Bank name and address
- Bank routing number (ABA number)
- Account number
- Account type (checking or savings)
- Authorization from an authorized company representative
Step 4: Complete ACH Refund Authorization
Once your ACE Portal account is active:
- Log into the ACE Secure Data Portal
- Navigate to the new ACH Refund Authorization tool
- Enter your banking information
- Submit the authorization form
- Verify your enrollment status
Step 5: Confirm Enrollment Before February 6
Don't wait until the deadline. Complete your enrollment well in advance to allow time for any issues to be resolved. CBP recommends confirming your enrollment status to ensure you're ready for the transition.
Upcoming CBP Support Calls
To help the trade community prepare for this mandatory transition, CBP will hold user readiness support calls on the following dates:
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET
Format: Microsoft Teams
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET
Format: Microsoft Teams
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET
Format: Microsoft Teams (Post-implementation support)
These calls provide an opportunity to ask questions, clarify requirements, and ensure your organization is fully prepared for the transition. We strongly recommend participating in at least one call before the February 6 deadline.
What Happens If You Don't Enroll?
Importers who fail to enroll in ACH refunds before February 6, 2026 may experience:
- Delayed refunds: Without valid ACH authorization on file, CBP cannot process your refunds through the new electronic system
- Administrative complications: Resolving refund issues after the deadline may require additional paperwork and processing time
- Cash flow impacts: Refunds that would normally be processed quickly could be held pending enrollment completion
The bottom line: there's no benefit to waiting. Enroll now to ensure seamless refund processing after the transition.
Already enrolled? Use ACH to receive a CAPE refund
If you're set up for ACH and paid IEEPA duties, recover IEEPA duties through the CAPE process — Strix files the declaration and your refund lands directly in your account. Free eligibility review.
How Strix Can Help
At Strix, we're committed to keeping our clients ahead of regulatory changes that impact their import operations. Our team of licensed customs brokers is monitoring the implementation of this CBP guidance and can assist with:
- ACE Portal navigation: If you need help accessing or using the ACE Portal's new ACH Refund Authorization tool, our team can provide guidance
- Compliance review: We can verify that your accounts are properly configured for the transition
- Ongoing updates: As CBP releases additional guidance or clarifications, we'll keep you informed of any changes that affect your operations
Whether you're using our self-filing software or working with our full-service brokerage team, we're here to ensure your import operations remain compliant and efficient through this transition and beyond.
Conclusion
The February 6, 2026 deadline for mandatory ACH refunds is fast approaching. This isn't a change you can ignore or defer—if you want to receive refunds from CBP after that date, you must have valid ACH authorization on file. The good news is that CBP has made the enrollment process easier than ever with the new automated tools in the ACE Portal.
Take action now:
- Check your ACE Portal access
- Review CBP's Electronic Refund Enrollment Reference Sheet
- Complete your ACH Refund Authorization
- Attend one of the upcoming CBP support calls if you have questions
Don't let this deadline catch you off guard. A few minutes of preparation today will ensure your refunds continue flowing smoothly after February 6.
Source Attribution
This article is based on information from the following sources:
- National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA): CBP ACE Support Calls Scheduled for Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule
- Federal Register: FR Document 2025-24171, Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule, published January 2, 2026
- Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.: NCBFAA Customs Committee monitoring and updates
The NCBFAA Customs Committee and Counsel of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., are actively monitoring the implementation of this CBP guidance and will provide updates as they become available.
Status: COMPLETED