If you paid extra fees on imported packages last year, you might have some money waiting for you. Following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down emergency import tariffs, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is officially processing refunds.
The whole process hinges on one key detail: who was named the Importer of Record on your package.
What Tariffs Are Covered?
These refunds strictly target duties collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Standard fees and other duties—like Section 301 tariffs—aren't part of this rollout.
The recovery process is moving in deliberate phases to avoid system overloads. Phase 1 focuses on unliquidated entries and recent shipments, mainly covering payments from early 2026.
How to Claim Your Refund
If UPS acted as your Importer of Record, you can relax. UPS Supply Chain Solutions handles the claim directly with customs and returns the money straight to you.
If you or your business served as the Importer of Record, you'll need to submit a claim yourself. You submit these requests through CBP’s new digital CAPE tool in the Automated Commercial Environment portal.
When to Expect Your Money
Don't count on a quick turnaround for these checks. Official guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicates processing typically takes 60 to 90 days once a claim is accepted.
If UPS is retrieving funds on your behalf, expect an additional wait while they process internal payouts. Keep in mind that extra brokerage and administrative processing fees won't be refunded.
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Read more: What to Expect for Your Tax Refund Payments This September
