U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a CSMS message on January 2nd, 2026, announcing that effective February 6th, 2026, refunds issued by paper check and sent through the mail will be discontinued. This change was also published in the Federal Register on the same date. After February 6th, all refunds will be issued electronically via ACH. This marks a significant improvement to CBP’s refund process and will help eliminate issues related to lost or stolen checks.
It is important to understand that this change is mandatory. There is no option to continue receiving paper checks after February 6th (*see footnote below), so it’s imperative for Importers (and their Customs Broker) to get their account set up properly so any refunds can be issued. Those with vested interest should start this process right away, since the ‘go-live’ date is just around the corner.
CBP provided a reference sheet with information and training guides: Electronic Refund Enrollment Reference Sheet
Here are some high-level information and FAQs:
- To receive CBP refunds via ACH you must:
- Have an active importer ACE account.
- Have a US Bank account.
- Complete the ACH refunds specific set up process and submit your banking details.
- If you do not currently have an ACE Portal account, setting one up will be the first step in this process.
- Recommendations to successfully set up your account:
- Ensure your importer information is accurate and up to date in CBPs system. If not, complete a 5106 update.
- When applying for the ACE Portal account, be certain your company details match exactly what US Customs has on file.
- Take care with who is established as your ACE TAO (Trade Account Owner). This person will be required to maintain access to your ACE Portal account, set up ACH Refunds, and help manage updates, as necessary.
- You will be ready to receive ACH refunds when the TAO enters banking details on the ‘ACE Refund Authorization Tab’ in the ACE Portal and receives a ‘success’ message from the system.
- If you cannot get access to the ACE Portal or do not have a US Bank account, your only option to receive a refund is to designate a third party to receive refunds on your behalf via the Special Address Notification (4811) process.
- A copy of the 4811 form can be found HERE
To help prepare for the mandatory transition, CBP will hold the following user readiness support calls:
- Wednesday, January 28, 2026
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Join via Microsoft Teams
- Wednesday, February 11, 2026
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Join via Microsoft Teams
Related CSMS: 67270895
Additional Resources provided by CBP:
- For rejected refunds, an importer must complete the ACH Refund application and notify CBP’s Refunds Team at frn-achrefundsupport@cbp.dhs.gov
- To check the status of a pending ACE account, email Support@cbp.dhs.gov
- Read this Information Notice to learn more about the modernized online ACE Account application and view training resources
*Footnote 28 of the Federal Register Notice outlines the following regarding exceptions to ACH Refund:
“28. CBP notes that there will still be a few exceptions to the electronic refund requirement when the recipient satisfies the conditions in 31 CFR 208.4 to receive a refund via a U.S. Treasury check, but CBP anticipates that these will be rare cases.”
The Laufer Group team will continue to monitor these changes and provide updates on any significant developments.
Please contact your local customer service or sales representative for additional information and service options and continue to visit laufer.com for more market Insights.