U.S. importers are being advised to stay closely informed and take proactive steps regarding potential tariff refunds amid ongoing legal uncertainty over the legality of recent U.S. tariff actions. As policy shifts and court challenges unfold, traders and logistics planners could face both risks and opportunities tied to duties paid on imports.
The advice comes as the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) — including so‑called “reciprocal” and other broad levies introduced in 2025 — were lawfully enacted. If the court ultimately rules these tariffs unconstitutional or illegal, many companies that paid duties may be eligible to seek refunds of billions of dollars in customs fees.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and trade compliance specialists are telling importers to register for updates and prepare documentation now, because it can take time to preserve refund rights if a ruling goes against the administration. Some companies are even filing protective lawsuits in the U.S. Court of International Trade to ensure they do not forfeit refund claims due to procedural deadlines or liquidation of entries.
Legal experts also note that CBP is transitioning to fully digital tariff refund processing, phasing out paper checks in early 2026, which could streamline the handling of refund requests but also require importers to be ready with correct electronic filings.
For supply chain and trade operations teams, this means closely monitoring tariff policy developments, consulting customs brokers or legal counsel, and acting on refund‑related guidance — especially for entries still within the allowable protest or correction periods — to maximise recoupment potential while navigating evolving enforcement and compliance risks.
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