US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will require all refunds to be issued electronically starting February 6, 2026, under an interim rule published in the Federal Register. Paper checks will no longer be issued unless an approved waiver applies.
The rule applies to importers and all other refund recipients, including brokers, filers, sureties, carriers, and designated third parties listed on CBP Form 4811.
CBP has also launched a new ACE report — the REV-613 Refund Report — to help importers track electronic refund rejections. This report identifies refunds rejected solely due to missing or incorrect banking information and should be used as a key tool for monitoring refund status and resolving issues quickly.
Importers should use the REV-613 report alongside the REV-6603 report when tracking refunds. Please note:
- If a refund was returned by the bank due to incorrect account details, the REV-6603 will show a status of “Check/ACH returned.”
- If banking information is missing or incorrect at the time of processing, the REV-613 will show a status of “SAP ACH Rejected.”
Given recent tariff and duty developments, importers may wish to ensure their ACH refund enrollment and banking information are current so they are prepared to receive any CBP-issued refunds without delay, should refunds be authorized or processed.
What Importers Need to Do
Importers already enrolled in ACH refund – no action is required. Refunds will continue to be issued electronically.
Importers not enrolled in ACH refund – action is required before February 6, 2026.
Importers must:
- Have an active, secure ACE Portal account
- Apply for ACH Refund through the ACE Portal
- Provide valid US banking information
Once approved, all future CBP refunds will be deposited electronically to the designated bank account.
Importers are required under 31 U.S.C. § 3332(g) to provide banking information for electronic refunds. If CBP certifies a refund but cannot deliver it due to missing or incorrect ACH information:
- The refund could be rejected
- No interest will accrue under 19 U.S.C. § 1505(d)
Failure to comply with the requirements in this interim rule can significantly impact refund timelines and financial recovery
Waivers
Limited waivers are available under 31 CFR Part 208, including when electronic payments are not supported due to foreign infrastructure limitations. This may apply to certain non-resident importers.
Importers seeking a waiver must notify CBP’s Revenue Division in writing at frn-achrefundsupport@cbp.dhs.gov and identify the applicable waiver criteria.
Mohawk Global Trade Advisors can assist with ACE Portal access, ACH Refund enrollment, and waiver guidance to help ensure uninterrupted refund processing. Contact us to speak with an expert.
Additional Resources:
CBP Modernizes Electronic Refund Enrollment Process
ACH Refund Enrollment Overview
ACE Portal and ACH Refunds FAQs
ACE Portal Updates to Enable Electronic Refund Enrollment
Automated ACE Portal Application for Importer Accounts
ACE Portal Feature for Trade Users to Add Notify Parties
ACE Portal Importer Account Application
ACH Refund Enrollment in the ACE Portal
ACH Refund Enrollment in the ACE Portal