CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE | 2026-02-03

CBP Mandatory Electronic Refund Transition via ACH Effective February 6, 2026: Essential Compliance Guide for California Importers and Customs Brokers

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will cease issuing paper refund checks on February 6, 2026, requiring all importers, customs brokers, sureties, foreign trade zone operators, carriers, and designated third parties to enroll in the ACH Refund program through the ACE Portal to receive duty refunds electronically.

Effective February 6, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will implement a mandatory transition to electronic refund disbursement via the Automated Clearing House network, permanently discontinuing the issuance of paper refund checks except in limited hardship circumstances authorized under 31 CFR part 208. This regulatory transformation carries profound implications for California importers who collectively process approximately one-third of all U.S. maritime imports.

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