Mandatory ACH Refunds Begin February 6: CBP Publishes New Guidance for Importers

  • ClientAdvisories.EffectiveDate: gennaio 28, 2026
  • ClientAdvisories.AffectedRegions: North America | Europe & UK | Latin America | Asia | South Asia | Africa | Medio Oriente | Oceania
  • ClientAdvisories.AdvisoryType: Tariffa
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On January 27, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) #67513690 announcing the release of a new FAQ document and additional resources to help importers prepare for the upcoming transition to mandatory ACH electronic refunds.

CBP has published a reference sheet, information notices, training guides, and the new ACE Portal and ACH Refunds FAQ document to support importers during this transition. 

Importers who do not have an ACE Portal account are required to create one in order to receive ACH refunds electronically. 

  • To set up the ACE Portal account, a two-factor authentication email will be sent to the address listed as the point of contact on the CBP 5106 form.  Additionally, the importer name in the ACE Portal application must match the company name on the CBP 5106 form. 
  • If updates to the 5106 forms are necessary, they may be completed by the importer or their customs broker. 
  • Once the ACE Portal set up is completed, then the importer must access the “ACH Refund Authorization” tab in their ACE Portal Account to provide their U.S. bank account information. 

Importers who have an ACE Portal account and are not currently enrolled for ACH Refunds must update their U.S. banking information on the “ACH Refund Authorization” tab in their ACE Portal account. 

Beginning February 6, 2026, CBP will issue all refunds electronically via Automated Clearing House (ACH).  This change affects all importers to the United States including foreign importers of record.  All CBP refunds are issued in USD.  Importers must have a US bank account. 

For additional information, review the resources provided in CSMS# 67513690 and Trade Information Notice. 

Resources:

CSMS # 67513690 - REMINDER: Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule Effective February 6 – New FAQs Now Available 

Upcoming Trade Support Calls: 

  • January 28, 2026, from 2 to 3 pm  EST
  • February 11, 2026  

For details and registration, review: