Phase 1 of the tariff refund process officially opened on April 20 through the ACE portal. This initial phase allows importers of record and customs brokers to begin filing refund claims for tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
What this means for you:
- Refund filings are now open through the ACE portal
- Phase 1 applies to unliquidated entries and entries within approximately 80 days of liquidation
- Refunds are not automatic and must be submitted to be processed
- Additional phases are expected to expand eligibility over time
If your business has paid IEEPA tariffs, now is the time to evaluate your eligibility and begin preparing for submission.
Important next steps:
- Confirm you have access to the ACE system and have completed the CAPE portal setup
- If you paid tariffs directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, you may begin filing for a refund
- If tariffs were paid through a customs broker, you should connect with them to determine next steps
- If you passed tariff costs through to customers, additional considerations may apply when processing refunds
- If you are not the importer of record, you may not be eligible to file directly through the ACE portal, but you may still have an opportunity to pursue a refund through your supplier.
Additional updates are expected following the next court hearing on April 28, 2026, which may provide further clarity on future phases and expanded eligibility. In the meantime, we recommend reviewing your past tariff activity and gathering any relevant documentation.
Our team is here to help evaluate your situation and walk you through the next steps. If you have any questions or would like support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
