Update Regarding IEEPA Tariffs – Supreme Court Decision & Refund Status
We would like to provide you with an important update regarding the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision declaring certain tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) unlawful.
What happened?
The Supreme Court ruled that the IEEPA tariffs exceeded presidential authority and are therefore invalid.
What does this mean for importers?
At this time, there is no automatic refund process in place. The Court’s decision did not establish a reimbursement mechanism, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not yet issued formal guidance regarding potential refunds.
Will importers receive their money back?
Currently:
- Refunds have NOT been automatically approved
- No official administrative claim procedure has been announced
- Several companies have initiated legal actions seeking reimbursement
- Legislative proposals are under discussion, but nothing has been finalized
What should importers do now?
We recommend preserving all entry documentation and payment records related to the affected tariffs.
At GCA, we are actively monitoring any regulatory updates, government guidance, or legislative approvals related to potential reimbursement procedures. As soon as there is official clarification or an approved process, we will immediately inform you and guide you through the appropriate next steps.
Proactive Step for Importers – ACE Portal Access
While no refund mechanism has been confirmed, importers may benefit from verifying access to their ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) Portal with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The ACE portal allows importers to:
- Review historical entries
- Monitor duty payments
- Access importer record data directly from CBP
- Prepare documentation efficiently if reimbursement procedures are announced
Basic Account Setup Overview:
To create an ACE account, importers must:
- Complete the ACE application form (downloaded and submitted as a PDF) clicking HERE.
- Select “Importer” as the primary account type
- Enter the full importer number (EIN + CBP suffix)
- Complete legal entity information
- Submit via email to CBP
CBP review and approval may take approximately 1–2 weeks. If the SUBMIT button doesn’t respond, Send an email to ACE.APPLICATIONS@cbp.dhs.gov and attach the application as a pdf. In the subject line include your company name + IOR # (including the “00” suffix). You will get an automated email back confirming receipt and that they will respond in 3-5 business days.
If you need guidance reviewing your ACE status or understanding the application process, our team is available to assist at imports@gcargo.com.