Electronic Refunds
CBP will issue all refunds electronically, with limited exceptions. Importers must register for electronic refunds via the CBP portal.
Aforeworn detected this change in the Small Cross-Border Importers space on July 30, 2026 and published this briefing so affected operators are forewarned rather than caught off guard. It is rated Medium urgency. All importers who receive duty refunds from CBP, including China-sourced sellers, apparel importers, electronics importers, and dropship-to-DTC businesses. should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: Not specified in the excerpt; check the effective date in the full regulation.. Acting after that point can mean penalties, a lapsed licence, or lost eligibility — exactly the kind of surprise Aforeworn exists to prevent. Aforeworn monitors Small Cross-Border Importers continuously and turns every detected change into a plain-English briefing like this one, so you always know first. Forewarned is forearmed.
What changed
CBP is transitioning from paper refund checks to electronic refunds. Importers must set up electronic payment to receive refunds.
Who it affects
All importers who receive duty refunds from CBP, including China-sourced sellers, apparel importers, electronics importers, and dropship-to-DTC businesses.
What you must do
Register for electronic refunds through the CBP online portal (likely ACE or similar).
Deadline
Not specified in the excerpt; check the effective date in the full regulation.
Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/02/2025-24171/electronic-refunds
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