U.S. Customs and Border Protection is modernizing how it handles refunds to importers and trade businesses, shifting from paper checks to electronic payments starting February 6, 2026.
Two upgrades to CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment Secure Data Portal will enable the transition. The first introduces an online tool for authorizing electronic refunds securely. The second simplifies the process for creating importer accounts on the portal.
The move eliminates paper-based refunds that have created unnecessary delays and costs for businesses. Electronic refunds will process faster, reduce errors, and increase security against fraud and improper payments, according to CBP officials.
“These enhancements are significant for the trade community and CBP,” said Susan S. Thomas, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner for CBP’s Office of Trade. “Enhancing ACE enables secure electronic refunds, faster payments, fewer errors and a simplified process for importers, brokers and refund recipients.”
The U.S. Department of the Treasury will stop issuing paper checks for all CBP refunds on the February 6 deadline, unless a recipient has an approved waiver. The transition aligns with a federal executive order directing agencies to move toward electronic payments for all federal disbursements.
The ACE Portal serves as the centralized platform connecting the trade community with CBP and partner government agencies, providing real-time access to trade transactions and data. Businesses can access enrollment information and details about the ACH refund process through CBP’s official resources and social media channels.
