On September 30, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) activated a major enhancement in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Portal: the ability for importers to set up Automated Clearing House (ACH) refunds for duty refunds.
The long-anticipated update streamlines the refund process, reduces reliance on paper checks, and provides importers with faster, safer access to funds.
What Changed
Previously, importers seeking electronic refunds were required to complete and email an ACH Refund Enrollment Form to CBP’s Revenue Division for manual processing. Refunds were then issued by check if not enrolled, or via ACH only after lengthy approval.
Now, ACE Portal account users have a new ACH Refund Authorization tab where the account owner can directly:
- Submit U.S. bank account details
- Authorize ACH refunds for their company
- Manage enrollment online without the email bottleneck
Once approved, all future refunds are automatically deposited into the designated bank account. In most cases, funds should be available within 1–2 business days after CBP issues the refund.
Why It Matters
- Speed: Electronic refunds arrive significantly faster than paper checks, which are subject to mailing and deposit delays.
- Security: ACH eliminates risks of lost, misdelivered, or stolen checks, reducing fraud investigations and reissuance delays.
- Efficiency: Importers and CBP both save time and resources by avoiding manual forms, check printing, and mailing.
Limitations and Considerations
- ACE Account Requirement: Only ACE Portal account holders can access the new tab. Importers without an account must continue to use the legacy ACH Refund Enrollment Form via email.
- Role Restrictions: At present, only the account owner in ACE can set up ACH refunds. CBP has stated it will add permissions so owners can delegate this responsibility, but that feature is not yet live.
- Third-Party Designees: Refunds directed to brokers or other third parties via CBP Form 4811 will continue to be issued as paper checks until a later phase of the rollout.
What Importers Should Do Now
- Log into your ACE Portal (or create an account if you do not already have one).
- Verify that you are logged in under the account owner role.
- Navigate to the ACH Refund Authorization tab and enter your U.S. bank account details.
- Confirm approval and ensure your company’s future refunds are routed electronically.
M.E. Dey encourages all clients with ACE access to enroll immediately and begin taking advantage of electronic refunds. For clients without ACE accounts, our compliance team can assist you with the setup process.