Importers Risk Losing IEEPA Tariff Refunds by Skipping ACE Portal Step
Importers seeking refunds of IEEPA tariffs must complete a specific ACE portal action or risk forfeiting recovery of significant working capital.
Following the Supreme Court's invalidation of certain IEEPA-based tariffs, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is processing refunds for importers who paid duties under those authorities. However, CBP will not automatically issue refunds; importers must affirmatively request them through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal. Many businesses with global supply chains that paid substantial IEEPA tariffs stand to recover meaningful cash, but those who overlook the required ACE filing risk losing the refund entirely. In-house counsel and trade compliance teams should immediately audit prior entries paid under IEEPA, confirm whether refund requests have been submitted, and coordinate with customs brokers to ensure filings are completed before applicable deadlines. Acting promptly is critical to preserving the recovery.