How Do I Claim a Tariff Refund From CBP? (2026 Process)

Short answer: A tariff refund is claimed through CBP, and the filing must be made by the importer of record or a licensed customs broker — not by an analyst or software vendor (cbp.gov, 5/20). The practical path is: analyse your exposure, assemble the documentation, then have a licensed broker file the claim. CBP's CAPE Phase 2 (opened 6/29) is the current channel for expanded IEEPA refund eligibility, processing on 60–90 day cycles (flexport, 6/30; freightright, 7/2026).

The documents you'll need

• Entry summaries (CBP Form 7501) for the affected entries.
• Proof of duties paid and the tariff basis (which measure applied).
• Commercial invoices and HTS classifications for the line items.

The step-by-step

1. Identify exposure — which entries carried tariffs later invalidated.
2. Quantify — total duties paid on those line items, plus interest owed.
3. Prepare the claim package — documentation assembled to CBP's requirements.
4. File through a licensed broker — the broker submits under their license.
5. Collect — CBP processes and refunds, typically on a 60–90 day cycle.

Where DistributorBridge fits

We handle steps 1–3 as a flat-fee analysis — sizing what you may be owed and preparing the package. Step 4, the filing, is done by our licensed customs-broker partner. We prepare and analyse; the broker files with CBP. We never file on your behalf.

Sources: cbp.gov (5/20); flexport.com (6/30); freightright.com (7/2026). As of 2026-07-16. General information, not legal advice.