U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has changed the refund enrollment process and is now requiring eligible parties to receive refunds electronically through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). CBP’s new ACH Refund Authorization functionality in the ACE Secure Data Portal replaces the prior manual, email-based enrollment process and is now the primary way to set up refund payments.
Beginning February 6, 2026, CBP stated that it will issue refunds electronically, subject only to limited exceptions. CBP also made clear that if an importer or designated third party fails to provide the banking information needed to receive the refund electronically, the refund can be rejected until the ACH setup is completed. In those cases, CBP says the importer must complete the ACH Refund application and then contact CBP’s Refunds Team to request reissuance. CBP further states that when the delay is caused by the payee’s failure to provide required banking information, interest will not accrue on the rejected refund during that period.
What this means for importers
If your company has pending refunds from CBP, now is the time to decide how you want to receive them. Waiting to act could delay access to funds that may already be due back to you. CBP’s own rule explains that if it cannot deliver the refund electronically because the required banking instructions are not in place, the refund may be rejected and remain unresolved until the enrollment issue is corrected.
Two ways to receive refunds
Importers should select one of the following paths as soon as possible:
1. Enroll your company to receive refunds directly by ACH
Importers with an ACE Portal account can now use the ACH Refund Authorization tab to enter their U.S. bank account information for direct electronic deposit. CBP’s FAQ states that the user must log into ACE, go to the importer sub-account view, open the ACH Refund Authorization tab, and submit the required bank details. Once approved, future refunds will be deposited to that account.
2. Designate a third party, such as your customs broker, to receive the refund
CBP allows importers to designate a third party by submitting CBP Form 4811 (Special Address Notification). Under CBP’s interim final rule, third-party designees must also be set up to receive electronic refunds; if the designated third party is not enrolled as an ACH participant, the refund will default to the importer’s ACH account. CBP also noted that ACE was enhanced to support adding a notify party for this purpose.
Important note on older CBP messaging
Some earlier CBP guidance indicated that third parties designated by CBP Form 4811 would continue receiving paper checks temporarily. However, CBP’s published interim final rule now states that, effective February 6, 2026, refunds are to be issued electronically and that designated third parties must also complete the ACH setup if they are to receive the refund.
Recommended next steps
Importers expecting refunds should:
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Confirm whether they already have an active ACE Portal account.
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Decide whether refunds should go directly to the importer or to a designated third party/broker.
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Complete the ACH Refund setup promptly through ACE, or ensure the designated third party is properly authorized and enrolled.
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Review outstanding refund activity in ACE, where CBP says users can access refund history and summaries through the Refund ACE Report.
At Buckland, we encourage clients with pending CBP refunds to make this election as soon as possible. Taking action now can help avoid rejected payments, unnecessary delays, and situations where refund funds remain pending until the required electronic payment instructions are completed.
Should you need any support, please contact us at bucklandsupport@buckland.com.
Sources:
New Functionality Pertaining to Electronic Refunds in the Automated Commercial Environment
ACE Portal and ACH Refunds FAQs
Electronic Refunds
ACH Refund
CBP Modernizes Electronic Refund Enrollment Process
Applying for an ACE Secure Data Portal Account