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Supply Chain Updates—January 14, 2025 Newsletter

January 14, 2026

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has upgraded its Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Portal with a modernized Automated Clearing House (ACH) Refund Authorization tab.

This new feature allows importers to manage their importer account information online, facilitating the transition to mandatory electronic refunds.

Container volumes at major U.S. ports, including Los Angeles and Long Beach, remain high in 2025, with modest improvements in truck and rail dwell times.

These steady operations help importers plan shipments more confidently by reducing delays.

Railroads are continuing to report steady service levels, supporting more predictable inland movement of imported cargo.

For importers, this consistency helps reduce post-arrival delays and allows greater flexibility when coordinating ocean, rail, truck, or expedited transportation based on cost, timing, and inventory needs.

CBP is increasingly emphasizing accurate import filings and the use of proactive correction tools like Post Summary Corrections to ensure compliance with U.S. customs regulations.

Maintaining precise data and addressing errors early helps importers avoid potential delays, penalties, and heightened audit scrutiny, while supporting smoother cargo clearance.

Imperative Logistics has been named by Global Trade as one of the Top 50 3PLs for 2025 in the Border Breakers category, recognizing our expertise in navigating complex trade compliance and delivering multi-country freight solutions.

This honor highlights our dedication to providing reliable support that helps our customers adapt and stay resilient in a changing trade environment.

Tariff Updates & Trade Compliance Updates 
  • CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) is moving fully electronic: After nearly 28 years of issuing paper checks, CBP will transition all refunds to electronic payments beginning February 6, 2026, with only limited exceptions.
  • Act Now to Avoid Delays: With a short window to prepare, importers should act now to prevent disruptions to duty drawback claims, Post Summary Corrections (PSC), and other post-entry refunds. Importers already enrolled in the electronic refund program should review their setup to ensure payments are received without interruption.
  • Supreme Court Update – Value of Services (VOS) Selections: While no decision has been issued, importers may want to prepare for potential changes. If favorable, IEEPA tariffs could no longer apply, though refunds would require documentation and follow-up. Keeping detailed records and ensuring electronic refund information is current can help you stay ready.
Helpful U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Resources to Get Started:
  • CBP Trade Portal Account: Use this portal to manage your trade account, update company information, and oversee electronic transactions with CBP. This is the primary platform for maintaining refund eligibility.
  • Modernized Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Importer Account ApplicationThis application allows importers to establish or update their trade account, a required step for enrolling in electronic refund payments.
  • Automated Clearing House (ACH) Refund Enrollment Guidance: U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s official guidance explains how to enroll in ACH for electronic refunds, including key requirements, timelines, and system updates importers should be aware of.
How Imperative Logistics Can Support You:
  • Electronic Refund Readiness: We provide guidance to help ensure your trade portal access and ACH electronic payment setup are ready for CBP’s new electronic refund process. The trade portal is U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s online system for managing import and export activity, while ACH is the banking network used to receive refunds electronically.
  • Refund & Post-Entry Guidance: Our team can help clarify how to track refunds and manage post-entry processes under CBP’s updated electronic-only refund requirements.
  • Third-Party Authorization Support: For importers who work with brokers or other third parties, we provide guidance on properly designating authorized parties under CBP rules.
  • Keeping You Informed: We monitor CBP notices, Federal Register updates, and regulatory trends, turning complex information into clear, actionable guidance so your business can stay compliant and prepared.

Have questions about how these tariff changes affect your shipments? Our team of experts is ready to provide guidance, please Contact Us anytime. For further details, please consult the latest Tariff Update and Reciprocal Tariff List for comprehensive information.

View the latest Tariff Information:

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Tariff Update: 4 November 2025 232.11 KB 135 downloads

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