Modernizing Refunds: Paper Refund Checks Ending – ACH Enrollment Required

Effective February 6, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will issue all refunds electronically via ACH transfer, as mandated by the interim final rule. Paper checks will only be issued in rare cases where a waiver under 31 CFR 208.4 applies. This change supports federal initiatives to modernize payment processes, enhance security, and reduce fraud associated with mailed checks. 

What You Need to Know 

• Importers who are already enrolled in CBP’s ACH Refund program do not need to take any action. 
• Importers who are not enrolled must: 

1. Create an ACE Portal account (if you do not already have one). 
2. Complete the ACH Refund application in the ACE Portal under the “ACH Refund Authorization” tab to provide your U.S. bank account information. 

Important Details 

If an importer does not have an ACE Portal account and has not entered banking authorization and account details, refunds will not be issued immediately.  Instead, a manual recovery process will be required, and no interest will be paid on delayed refunds.

Key Benefits of Electronic Refunds 

• Faster Processing: Funds are typically deposited within 1–2 business days.
• Enhanced Security: ACH payments are significantly less vulnerable to theft and fraud compared to paper checks.
• Reduced Delays: Eliminates risk of lost or misdelivered checks.

Action Required

Please ensure your ACH banking information is submitted and approved in ACE before February 6, 2026, to avoid delays in receiving refunds.

Instructions for creating an ACE Portal account and completing the ACH Refund application are available here: 

• Automated ACE Portal Account Application 
• CBP Modernizes Electronic Refund Enrollment Process | U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Register with the new automated ACE Portal importer account application 
• ACH Refund | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Upcoming Trade Support Calls 

CBP will host trade support calls on: 

• January 14, 2026 
• January 28, 2026 
• February 11, 2026 

For details and registration, review: 

CSMS # 67305746 - ICYMI: Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule Effective February 6, 2026 – ACE Support Call Schedule Now Available

Waiver Requests

If you believe you qualify for a waiver to receive a paper check, you must notify CBP’s Revenue Division in writing at [email protected]. 

For questions or assistance, contact your C.H. Robinson representative or contact CBP directly at the email address above. 

Additional Resources

• CSMS # 67270895 - Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule Effective February 6, 2026 
• Trade Information Notice Automation of the ACE Portal Account Application Process for Importer Accounts | U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• CBP Modernizes Electronic Refund Enrollment Process | U.S. Customs and Border Protection