U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has initiated the IEEPA tariff refund process. UPS, FedEx, and DHL have also begun processing refunds on behalf of their customers. For imported shipments where relevant taxes and fees have already been paid, the most crucial question going forward is not "whether a refund is possible," but rather "when a refund will be issued."
Key information
- This refund is only for IEEPA Tariffs do not affect other taxes such as Section 232 and Section 301.
- CBP has opened a refund portal on ACE Portal, and related applications have entered the execution phase.
- If the carrier is the importer, the refund usually goes back to the carrier first, and then is transferred to the customer.
- UPS has clearly stated that refunds may take several months to be transferred to customers.
What does this mean for businesses?
- Customs duties already paid under the IEEPA can be refunded.
- In financial matters, "refundable" and "already received" should be viewed separately.
- If this expense has already been advanced on your behalf, the customer will inquire about the payment schedule.
FedEx also stated that if CBP issues a refund, the company will continue to reimburse the party that initially incurred the cost. DHL has also initiated a refund request.
suggestion
- Separately list shipments subject to IEEPA tariffs since 2025;
- Distinguish between the import recorder, the payer, and the ultimate bearer;
- Provide a consistent message to customers:The refund process has been initiated, but the funds will not be received quickly.
source
- CNBC:UPS and FedEx have begun filing for some tariff refunds
- FedEx:Navigating US Tariffs and Customs Regulations