Where tariff refunds come from and who handles them
A tariff refund is money the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) returns to you when you overpaid duties on imported goods or when CBP determines the tariff rate was applied incorrectly. The refund comes from CBP, not from the importer or the retailer—though you may need to work through them to file the claim. CBP processes these refunds through a formal system, and the timeline depends on whether you imported the goods yourself or bought them from a business.
If you imported goods directly as a business or individual, you file a claim with CBP's National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association (NCBFA) or work with a customs broker. If you bought goods from a retailer and believe the tariff cost was passed to you unfairly, the path is different—you may need to contact the retailer first or file a consumer complaint, depending on the situation.
The refund process is not automatic. You must file a formal claim, provide documentation, and wait for CBP to review and approve it. Refunds typically take several months to process once approved.
Key Takeaways
- Tariff refunds are issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection when duties are overpaid or incorrectly calculated on imported goods.
- If you imported goods yourself, you file a claim directly with CBP using Form 19 or through a customs broker within one year of the tariff payment date.
- If you bought goods from a retailer, contact the retailer first to see if they will refund the tariff cost, or file a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
- CBP refunds typically take three to six months to process after approval, and you will need the entry number, invoice, and proof of payment.
- A customs broker can handle the filing process for you but will charge a fee for their services.
Filing a tariff refund claim if you imported the goods yourself
Start by gathering your import documentation: the entry number (found on your CBP receipt), the commercial invoice, the bill of lading, and proof that you paid the tariff. The entry number is the most important piece—it ties your shipment to CBP's records and is required on every form you submit.
Next, determine the reason for your refund claim. Common reasons include overpayment of duties, incorrect tariff classification (the goods were classified under the wrong tariff code), or a change in tariff rates after you paid. CBP will ask you to explain which category your claim falls under, so be specific about why you believe the tariff was wrong.
You can file the claim yourself by submitting a written request to the CBP port where your goods entered the country, or you can hire a customs broker to file on your behalf. The written request should include your entry number, the amount you paid, the reason for the refund, and supporting documents. Mail it to the CBP office listed on your entry receipt. If you use a customs broker, they will handle the paperwork and submit it to CBP, but you will pay their fee (typically $100 to $500 depending on complexity).
The deadline to file is one year from the date you paid the tariff. If you miss this window, CBP will not consider your claim.
What happens after you file your claim with CBP
After CBP receives your claim, they assign it a case number and send you a confirmation. This number is how you track the status of your refund. CBP then reviews your documentation to verify that the tariff was indeed overpaid or miscalculated.
The review process typically takes two to four months. During this time, CBP may request additional documents or clarification about your claim. If they do, respond promptly—delays in providing information can slow down the process. You can check the status of your claim by contacting the CBP port where you filed it and referencing your case number.
If CBP approves your claim, they issue a refund to the account or address you provided. Refunds are usually issued as a check or, if you paid by credit card, as a credit back to that card. The refund itself typically arrives within two to four weeks after approval, though this varies by CBP port.
If CBP denies your claim, they will send you a written explanation. You can appeal the decision by submitting additional evidence or requesting a formal review, but this process takes additional months.
Getting a tariff refund from a retailer
If you bought goods from a retailer and the tariff cost was included in the price you paid, your first step is to contact the retailer directly. Explain that you believe the tariff was overpaid or incorrectly applied and ask if they will refund the difference. Some retailers will do this without requiring you to file a CBP claim, especially if the error is clear.
If the retailer refuses or does not respond, you have two options. First, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov, describing the situation and the amount you paid. The FTC does not issue refunds directly, but they track complaints and can take action against retailers who engage in deceptive pricing practices.
Second, you can contact your state's Attorney General's office, which handles consumer complaints at the state level. Some states have consumer protection laws that cover tariff-related pricing disputes. Provide them with your receipt, correspondence with the retailer, and an explanation of why you believe the tariff was incorrect.
Neither the FTC nor your state Attorney General can force a retailer to refund you, but complaints create a record that may lead to action if the retailer has a pattern of tariff-related disputes.
Using a customs broker to file your claim
A customs broker is a licensed professional who handles import documentation and tariff matters on behalf of businesses and individuals. If your claim is complex—for example, if it involves multiple shipments, disputed tariff classifications, or large dollar amounts—hiring a broker can save time and increase the chances of approval.
To find a customs broker, search the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association (NCBFA) directory at ncbfaa.org. Brokers must be licensed by CBP and carry errors and omissions insurance. When you contact a broker, ask for a quote upfront and clarify what services are included (filing, follow-up, appeals, etc.).
The broker will request copies of your import documents and will handle all communication with CBP on your behalf. They will also advise you on whether your claim is likely to succeed based on their experience with similar cases. This guidance is valuable because it can prevent you from filing a weak claim that CBP will deny.
Broker fees vary widely depending on the complexity of your case. A straightforward overpayment claim might cost $150 to $300, while a disputed classification claim could run $500 to $1,500 or more. Ask the broker to estimate the timeline as well—they often have relationships with CBP ports and may be able to expedite processing.
Tracking your refund status and what to do if it is delayed
Once you have filed your claim, you can track its status by contacting the CBP port where you submitted it. Have your entry number and case number ready. You can also call CBP's customer service line at 1-877-CBP-5511, though wait times are often long. Email is sometimes faster—most CBP ports have a dedicated email address for refund inquiries, which you can find on the CBP website under your port's contact information.
If your refund has not arrived within six months of approval, contact CBP again and ask for a status update. Delays can happen due to processing backlogs, missing documentation, or administrative errors. Request a supervisor review if you believe your case has stalled.
If CBP denies your claim and you disagree with the decision, you can file an appeal. Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the denial letter and should include new evidence or a detailed explanation of why you believe CBP's decision was wrong. Appeals go through a separate review process and typically take an additional three to six months.
Tariff refunds for goods purchased before recent tariff changes
When tariff rates change—such as when new tariffs are imposed or existing ones are reduced—goods you purchased before the change may have been taxed at the old rate. Whether you can get a refund depends on when you paid and what the tariff change was.
If tariffs were reduced after you paid, you generally cannot get a refund for goods already imported and cleared by CBP. However, if tariffs were increased and you imported goods just before the increase took effect, you may be able to claim that you paid at the correct rate and do not owe additional duties.
For goods purchased from retailers before a tariff change, contact the retailer and ask if they will adjust the price or issue a refund. Some retailers do this as a customer service gesture, especially if the tariff change was recent and widely publicized. If the retailer refuses, your options are limited—consumer protection laws generally do not cover tariff-related price changes after purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a tariff refund claim?
You have one year from the date you paid the tariff to file a claim with CBP. After one year, CBP will not consider your claim. If you are unsure of the exact payment date, check your entry receipt or invoice—both show when the tariff was assessed.
Can I get a refund if I bought the goods from Amazon or another online retailer?
Contact the retailer first and ask if they will refund the tariff cost. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with the FTC or your state Attorney General, but neither can force the retailer to refund you. Your other option is to file a claim directly with CBP if you can obtain the entry number from the retailer or from your customs documentation.
What if CBP says my tariff classification was correct and denies my claim?
You can appeal the decision within 30 days by submitting additional evidence or a detailed written explanation of why you believe the classification was wrong. Include any technical specifications, industry standards, or expert opinions that support your position. Appeals take three to six months to review.
Do I need a customs broker to file a tariff refund claim?
No, you can file the claim yourself by submitting a written request to CBP. However, a broker can increase your chances of approval if your claim is complex or involves large amounts. Brokers charge fees ($150 to $1,500 depending on complexity) but handle all the paperwork and communication with CBP.
What documents do I need to file a tariff refund claim?
You will need your entry number, the commercial invoice, the bill of lading, proof of tariff payment, and a written explanation of why you believe the tariff was incorrect. If you are claiming overpayment, include documentation showing what the correct tariff should have been. CBP may request additional documents after you file.