Reminder: Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule Effective Feb. 6 (Support Call- Jan. 28)
Published Oct. 7, 2025 | Updated Jan. 28, 2026
Key Points
- CBP updated the ACE Secure Data Portal to support electronic refunds using Automated Clearing House (ACH), as directed by Executive Order 14247.
- Trade Account Owners (TAOs) can now add U.S. bank details in the ACE Portal under a new ACH Refund Authorization tab.
- This update replaces the old manual ACH Refund Enrollment form for importers receiving refunds directly from CBP.
- Each bank account must be added for every 5106 EIN + Suffix level individually.
- In December 2025, CBP will allow additional user permissions to manage ACH information.
- Customs brokers can prepare for the change, but refunds will still be sent by check for now.
- As of October 30, 2025, the automated ACE Secure Data Portal application process is now available, following CBP’s earlier announcement. A CBP training guide and a deployment support call is available to help users implement the new tool.
- Effective February 6, 2026, CBP will issue all refunds electronically via ACH with limited exceptions. CBP will hold user readiness support calls to help trade participants prepare.
- Latest Update: New CBP FAQs are now available to help trade users prepare for electronic refunds starting February 6.
On September 30, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) updated the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Secure Data Portal to allow trade users to submit their U.S. bank information online and receive refunds electronically via ACH. This change supports the goal of modernizing payments as outlined in Executive Order 14247.
Importers and other trade parties who get refunds will no longer need to use the manual ACH Refund Enrollment form. Instead, Trade Account Owners (TAOs) with the importer sub-account can enter and update banking info directly in the portal. CBP also announced these changes in a Federal Register Notice on September 24, 2025.
Beginning February 6, 2026, CBP will issue all refunds electronically via ACH, following the Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule (IRF) published in the Federal Register on January 2, 2026.
Reminder:
CBP held a user readiness support call on January 28, 2025 to help trade users prepare for the transition. A full schedule of upcoming support calls via Microsoft Teams is available below.
- Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 2:00–3:00 PM – Link to Join
- Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 2:00–3:00 PM – Link to Join
- Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 2:00–3:00 PM – Link to Join
Previous Updates
On January 27, CBP issued a reminder that the Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule takes effect February 6 and published new FAQs to help trade users prepare.
In addition to the new FAQs, the following CBP resources are also available:
- ACH Refund Enrollment Overview Reference Sheet
- ACH Refund Enrollment User Support Call Schedule (January–February)
- Notice: ACE Portal Updates to Enable Electronic Refund Enrollment
- Notice: Automated ACE Portal Application for Importer Accounts
- Notice: ACE Portal Feature for Trade Users to Add Notify Parties
- Notice: ACE Portal Feature to Add Notify Parties
- Notice: ACH Refund Enrollment in the ACE Portal
Background Info
Who Is Affected and How to Prepare
According to CBP, two groups of trade users are directly affected by this update:
- Importers who receive or may receive refunds from CBP
- Parties who receive or may receive refunds on behalf of importers (as designated via CBP Form 4811), also known as a “4811 Notify Party
Both groups should ensure they have an ACE Portal account with the appropriate Importer sub-account view. Parties acting as 4811 Notify Parties should verify they have the correct ACE Portal permissions to manage refund information.
How to Use the New ACH Refund Feature
- Log into the ACE Portal as the Trade Account Owner.
- Go to the Importer sub-account and click the ACH Refund Authorization tab.
- Click “Get Info/Refresh” to load any saved bank information or add new ACH bank details.
- Bank accounts must be added for each 5106 EIN + Suffix level separately because each is handled individually.
- Only the TAO can add or change this banking info right now. More user permissions will be available in December 2025.
For step-by-step instructions, see CBP’s detailed guide on ACH Bank Information for Electronic Refunds Quick Reference Card.
What It Means for Customs Brokers
- Brokers should update their ACE Portal accounts to prepare, but refunds will continue to be paid by check for now.
- Brokers must have Importer Sub Account access under their Broker Top Account because refunds are tied to IRS numbers (5106 EIN), not filer codes.
- For brokers without Importer Sub Account access, instructions for requesting it are available on CPB’s guide on Managing an ACE Portal Account.
Enhanced ACE Portal Account Application Available
The new tool is available on the ACE Portal Importer Account Application page.
The new process applies to trade parties that have a CBP Form 5106 (Importer ID Input Record) on file but do not yet have ACE Portal access. When using the modernized tool, CBP will verify the applicant by sending a code to the email address listed on the 5106 record.
CBP advises all importers and brokers to confirm that contact details, including email address and phone number, on their 5106 records are accurate. For importers whose 5106 records are managed by brokers, brokers should ensure that the current importer contact information is provided.
Previous Update (Jan. 6, 2026)
According to CBP’s latest guidance, the following enhancements have been made in preparation for the transition:
- Added an automated ACH Refund Authorization tool in the ACE Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal)
- Automated the ACE Portal importer account application, required to access the tool
Additionally, to assist the trade community, CBP will hold user readiness support calls on the dates and times discussed earlier.
Importers and parties receiving CBP refunds after February 5, 2026, should review the Electronic Refund Enrollment Reference Sheet and complete necessary steps to ensure readiness.
Refer to the IRF for guidance on refunds issued to authorized “4811 notify parties”.
Additional Support and Resources
- CBP held a live support call for trade users on October 6 with updates and Q&A.
- For refund-related questions, contact revenuerefunds@cbp.dhs.gov or call (317) 298-1200 ext. 4015.
- For ACE Portal technical help, contact ACE Account Service Desk at ace.support@cbp.dhs.gov or (866) 530-4172.
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