CBP Launches Portal for Tariff Refunds

Potential relief for importers as new system opens for IEEPA duty claims

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:08am

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a stack of official government documents, a calculator, and a pen resting on a clean, monochromatic grey background, symbolizing the bureaucratic process of navigating tariff refunds.The launch of a new tariff refund portal offers potential financial relief for importers, but the process remains complex and the broader trade environment uncertain.Washington Today

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is launching the first phase of a new refund process for certain import duties collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The rollout marks a critical step, though eligibility is initially limited to specific entry types and a phased approach will expand the program over time. Importers must actively apply for refunds through CBP's new Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system, with payments potentially taking up to 45 days after claims are accepted.

Why it matters

The potential refunds could provide meaningful financial relief for furniture retailers and other importers who have absorbed elevated tariff costs in recent years. However, the broader tariff environment remains fluid, with the possibility of new duties emerging under different legal authorities even as companies seek IEEPA-related refunds.

The details

The IEEPA refund process applies to over 330,000 importers and 53 million shipments that were subject to the now-invalid tariffs. In this initial Phase 1 launch, eligibility is limited to certain unliquidated entries and those within 80 days of liquidation. Importers must actively register for the ACE portal, submit claims identifying eligible entries, and provide banking information to receive direct payments, which could take up to 45 days after acceptance. Additional phases are expected to expand the program's scope over time.

  • The IEEPA refund portal opens on Monday, April 20, 2026.
  • Payments could take up to 45 days after claims are accepted by CBP.

The players

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The U.S. government agency responsible for managing the country's borders, including the collection of import duties and the new IEEPA refund process.

Home Furnishings Alliance (HFA)

An industry group that has provided guidance to importers on the IEEPA refund program and is urging companies to review their eligibility.

Jeremy Hoff

CEO of Hooker Furnishings, a company that has acknowledged the potential for significant IEEPA-related refunds but has not disclosed a specific figure.

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What they’re saying

“The amount is material, but we are not disclosing a figure at this time.”

— Jeremy Hoff, CEO, Hooker Furnishings

“The administration appears poised to pivot to new tariffs under different legal authority within the next few months. We continue to monitor developments in this area.”

— Jeremy Hoff, CEO, Hooker Furnishings

What’s next

Additional phases of the IEEPA refund program are expected to expand eligibility over time, including for entries that have already been liquidated or require more complex review. Industry groups are urging importers to review their eligibility and ensure their systems and documentation are in place to file claims.

The takeaway

The opening of the IEEPA refund portal represents a critical first step in providing financial relief to furniture retailers and other importers who have absorbed elevated tariff costs in recent years. However, the broader tariff environment remains fluid, and companies must navigate the complexities of the new claims process while also preparing for the possibility of new duties emerging under different legal authorities.