Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule Effective February 6, 2026
- GRF Customs
- Feb 7
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Executive Order (E.O.) #14247, Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account was issued on March 25, 2025. The E.O. mandates that the U.S. Treasury no longer issues paper checks. In accordance with Executive Order #14247, CBP will transition from issuing paper refund checks to utilizing the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system to issue refunds via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). In preparation for the change, the ACE Secure Data Portal has launched a new ACH Refund Authorization tab within the Importer Account view to enable members of the trade community to input their banking account information to receive electronic refunds.
What You Need to Know
If you are an importer, here is how the new "all-electronic" landscape looks:
The Deadline: The official switch-over date was February 6, 2026. After this point, paper checks will only be issued in extremely rare cases where a hardship waiver has been approved.
The Method: All refunds will be processed via Automated Clearing House (ACH).
ACE Portal Requirement: To receive your money, you must have an ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) Portal account. Enrollment is no longer a manual email process; you now use the "ACH Refund Authorization" option to enter your U.S. bank account details.
The Risk of Inaction: If CBP attempts to issue a refund and you don't have ACH information on file, the payment will be rejected. Crucially, no interest will accrue on the refund while it sits in limbo due to missing banking info.
Special Note for Third Parties
If you typically have refunds sent to a customs broker or a third party via CBP Form 4811, that party must also be enrolled in the ACH Refund program. If they aren't, the refund will default back to your (the importer's) account—provided your info is set up.
If you need support with applying for an ACE Portal Account and setting up your ACH banking information, we can help.
Contact us today!
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