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U.S. Reauthorizes AGOA and Haiti HOPE and HELP Trade Programs (Updated CBP Refund Guidance)

Published Feb. 9, 2026 | Updated June 19, 2026

Key Points

  • President signed H.R.7148 on February 3, 2026, extending AGOA, Haiti HOPE, and Haiti HELP programs through December 31, 2026.
  • Retroactive duty refunds allowed for ad valorem duties paid on eligible imports during program lapse (Oct 1, 2025 – Feb 3, 2026).
  • Importers may resume filing SPI “D” for AGOA benefits starting February 6, 2026, and quota claims for Haiti/AGOA programs starting February 9, 2026.
  • Refund requests and protests must be submitted by August 2, 2026; late filings will be denied.
  • Section 232, antidumping/countervailing duties, and merchandise processing fees are excluded from retroactive refunds.
  • Latest: CBP updated refund instructions for eligible AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP imports, allowing importers to request retroactive refunds for qualifying duties paid during the program lapse period from October 1, 2025, through February 3, 2026.
U.S. flag over a cargo port with shipping containers, representing reauthorized AGOA and Haiti HOPE and HELP trade programs

O​​​​n February 3, 2026, ​​​President Trump reauthorized the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Haiti Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE), and Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) programs through the end of 2026. According to a CBP guidance issued on February 6, 2026, the legislation permits retroactive refunds for ad valorem duties paid during the temporary lapse. Refund requests or protests must be submitted by August 2, 2026. AGOA benefits resume February 6, 2026, while Haiti HOPE/HELP quota claims resume February 9.

Latest: Correction on AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP Reauthorization

CBP issued CSMS #68987884 on June 18, 2026, replacing February 6 guidance with updated instructions for requesting retroactive duty refunds under the reauthorized AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP programs.

  • Gabon reinstated under AGOA: Gabon was reinstated as an AGOA beneficiary country effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. Eligible non-textile imports from Gabon may receive AGOA benefits under General Note 16 of the HTSUS. Gabon textile products are not eligible for AGOA benefits.
  • Refund eligibility: Retroactive refunds apply only to Column 1 ad valorem duties paid on eligible AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP imports entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption during the lapse period (October 1, 2025, through February 3, 2026). Refunds are not available for merchandise processing fees or other types of duties.
  • Refund filing deadline: Importers must submit PSCs, protests, or written refund requests no later than August 2, 2026. Filings submitted after this date will be rejected or denied.
  • PSC requirements: PSC refund requests must include “Retroactive AGOA Duty Refund” or “Retroactive Haiti Duty Refund” in the filing explanation and reference CSMS #68987884 dated June 18, 2026.
  • Textile entry requirements: Refund requests for AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP textile products must include the applicable Chapter 1-97 HTSUS tariff number and the applicable Chapter 98 HTSUS number. SPI “D” must not be filed for textile entries.
  • Liquidated entry refund requests: Requests submitted through ACE Document Image System (DIS) must use:
    • AGOA_REFUND for AGOA requests
    • HAITI_REFUND for Haiti HOPE/HELP requests
  • Quota entries: Quota treatment is not retroactive. However, eligible quota entries made during the lapse period may receive refunds for excess ad valorem duties paid above the in-quota rate.
  • AD/CVD duties: Eligible AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP entries subject to antidumping and countervailing duties may qualify for refunds of Column 1 duties, but AD/CVD duties are not refundable.
  • Section 232 duties: Goods subject to Section 232 duties or quotas are not eligible for AGOA or Haiti HOPE/HELP preferential treatment or retroactive duty refunds.

CBP also confirmed that effective February 6, 2026, refunds are issued electronically through Automated Clearing House (ACH).

Background: February 2026 Updates

AGOA

  • AGOA textile goods are identified under HTSUS Chapter 98, subchapter XIX.
  • Twelve 98_numbers apply to eligible textile commodities (e.g., 9819.11.03, 9819.11.06, 9819.11.09).
  • Importers must use SPI “D” to claim preferential benefits.

HAITI HOPE/HELP

  • Preferential treatment applies to apparel, textiles, and wire harness under HTSUS 8544.42.9090.
  • Thirteen 98_numbers assigned to eligible Haiti textile commodities (e.g., 9820.42.05, 9820.61.25).
  • Haiti HOPE’s Earned Import Allowance Program (EIAP) requires certificates submitted electronically for qualifying fabric.

Retroactive Duty Refund Instructions

  • Refunds available only for ad valorem duties paid during the lapse (Oct 1, 2025 – Feb 3, 2026).
  • Post Summary Correction (PSC) or protest must clearly reference “Retroactive AGOA Duty Refund” or “Retroactive Haiti Duty Refund” and CSMS #67647279.
  • Refund requests for liquidated entries must be submitted via ACE DIS by August 2, 2026, using document labels AGOA_REFUND or HAITI_REFUND.
  • Quota entries are not retroactive, but excess ad valorem duties paid during the lapse will be refunded.

See Haiti HELP/HOPE and AGOA quotas for 2026.

Important Considerations

  • AD/CVD duties and Section 232 duties are excluded from preferential refunds.
  • Filers waiting for Department of Commerce exclusion IDs should submit a protest to reopen eligible liquidated lines.
  • CBP encourages electronic ACH refunds and provides DIS implementation guidance online.

Contacts

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