Using the ACE Portal for Potential Tariff Refunds
What Importers Need to Know Now
Importers across the U.S. are watching closely as the Supreme Court of the United States considers the legality of tariffs implemented last year. While no final decision has been issued yet, one thing is already clear: how tariff refunds will be issued has changed, and importers who are not prepared could face delays if refunds are authorized.
If your company has paid tariffs that may be subject to reversal, now is the time to understand the ACE Portal, upcoming deadlines, and how these changes affect customs compliance and cash flow.
Why Tariff Refund Readiness Matters
The Supreme Court is currently weighing whether the tariffs first imposed by the Trump administration in 2025 are legal. As of this writing, on Jan. 13, 2026, no announcement has been officially made. President Trump continues to announce more tariffs in the interim, including additional 25% tariffs on any country “doing business” with Iran. The decision, in either direction, will have a sweeping effect on domestic and international economies.
A tariff reversal can result in significant refunds, especially for importers with high-volume or long-term supply contracts. However, eligibility alone does not guarantee timely repayment. U.S. Customs has updated its refund delivery process, and importers who do not adapt may experience unnecessary delays. This is not simply an administrative update. It is a compliance and financial planning issue that impacts how quickly funds can be returned to your business.
According to guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Customs will no longer issue paper refund checks after February 6. Historically, many importers received tariff refunds by mail, but that option is being phased out.
Going forward, refunds will be issued electronically via ACH, and participation requires access to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Portal. If an importer is not registered and properly set up in ACE, refund processing may be delayed even if the underlying tariff decision is favorable.
What is the ACE Portal?
The ACE Portal is Customs’ secure online system that allows importers to manage trade-related information, including:
- Importer of Record data
- Entry and compliance records
- Financial transactions, including ACH payments and refunds
Many importers already interact with ACE indirectly through their customs broker. However, direct account access is now critical for receiving tariff refunds electronically.
The February 6 Deadline Explained
Importers have until February 6 to establish or update their ACE Portal account to ensure eligibility for ACH-based tariff refunds. After this date, Customs will no longer issue physical checks, creating potential complications for companies that have not completed the setup process.
Missing this step does not necessarily disqualify an importer from receiving a refund, but it can slow down payment timelines at a moment when Customs may already be handling a surge in refund activity.
If tariffs are overturned, Customs could see a large influx of refund claims in a short period of time. Importers who are properly registered in ACE and compliant with current requirements will be positioned to receive refunds more efficiently.
It is also wise to review past entries that may be affected by a tariff decision so internal teams are not scrambling once guidance is issued.
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