CBP moves to electronic refunds on Feb. 6, 2026, ending paper checks for customs refunds
CBP modernizes electronic refund enrollment process
CBP states that the U.S. Department of the Treasury will stop issuing paper checks for all CBP refunds on Feb. 6, 2026, unless the recipient has an approved waiver under 31 C.F.R. § 208.4, and that two upgrades to the ACE Secure Data Portal prepare users for the electronic refund process. The changes, outlined in the Interim Final Rule: Electronic Refunds, follow Executive Order 14247 on modernizing federal payments. The first upgrade adds a secure online tool for authorizing electronic refunds and the second simplifies the application process for creating importer accounts.
Importers, brokers and other refund recipients must be enrolled for electronic refunds through the ACE Portal before Feb. 6, 2026, or hold an approved waiver under 31 C.F.R. § 208.4 to keep receiving paper checks.
Source: CBP · Trade · cbp.gov