Effective February 6, 2026, Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) will issue refunds electronically via Automated Clearing House (“ACH”). This rule change will affect all refunds, subject to limited exceptions (e.g., certain emergency payments, transactions involving national security or law enforcement concerns, transactions involving individuals who do not have access to banking services or electronic payment systems, etc.). FR Document 2025-24171. Also this rule will apply to all importers, brokers, filers, sureties, service providers, facility operators, foreign trade zone operators, and carriers as well as designated third parties listed on a CBP Form 4811. In short, absent a waiver, after February 5, 2026 CBP will not issue refunds by check.





