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YOUR ACH GUIDE

Why Obtain ACH Now?

Under the current U.S. presidential administration, we anticipate that tariff rates may continue to fluctuate. To avoid import delays and uncertainty as to the status of duty payments, Deringer urges our customers apply for an automated clearing house (ACH) account as soon as possible.  
 
An ACH account allows importers to pay duties directly to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), eliminating a third party and mitigating risk. This method also provides key benefits, such as allowing you to use periodic monthly statement (PMS) procedures to consolidate the payment of duties and fees on a monthly basis. 
 
Because the ACH application process can take some time, we recommend submitting your application as early as possible to avoid potential delays.
 
 
Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule Effective 2/6/2026

Effective February 6, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will issue all refunds electronically via Automated Clearing House (ACH) (subject to limited exceptions), as announced in the Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule published January 2, 2026 in the Federal Register (FR Document 2025-24171).

This rule will require trade members to set up ACE Portal accounts and to submit ACH banking information in the ACE Portal so that CBP can issue ACH refunds instead of mailing refunds as U.S. Treasury checks.

To learn more,

Scroll down to download our ACH guide and helpful forms

 

Ready to Get Started with ACH?

Getting set up with ACH is simple and straightforward. Just follow these steps:

1

Reference our ACH Guide below: For comprehensive instructions and details.

2

Ensure You Have a U.S. Bank Account: To use ACH, you'll need an account with a U.S. bank. Most Canadian banks have U.S. branches, so you might already be set!

3

Complete the Application: Fill out the ACH enrollment application form.

4

Submit the Application: Once completed, email the application along with supporting documentation to ach-customs@cbp.dhs.gov to get started with your ACH transactions. 

While establishing your ACH account for Customs payments, you may inquire if your bank has any limits to the number of transactions allowed per day.  Many banking institutions have low daily transaction limits to help curb fraud, but you may request higher limits to allow your trade activities to continue uninterrupted. 

Don't forget to let your Deringer account representative know you have completed the application.

For more information on how to submit an application, please reference our ACH Guide below. 

Streamline Your CBP Payments with ACH

Discover the efficiency of ACH payments for settling your Customs duties and taxes. By enrolling, you can enjoy the benefits of electronic payments, eliminating the need for cash or checks, and simplifying your payment process.

ACH Payments Guide Mockup

Additional Resources

The resources listed below offer more information about ACH including application procedures, your obligations upon enrollment, and an overview of ACH PMS report options.

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The answers you need

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I establish an ACH account for CBP payments?

Establishing an ACH account streamlines Customs payments, reduces administrative costs, and eliminates risks associated with lost checks. It also allows importers to control timely payments to Customs, enhancing efficiency and security.

What are the main requirements to enroll in ACH? You need a bank account with a U.S. branch or a division that is a NACHA participant and has Electronic Data Interchange capability.
Can I use a Canadian bank for ACH? Yes, several Canadian banks, such as Banque Nationale du Canada and TD Bank, are NACHA participants and can be used for ACH.
How long does it take to set up an ACH account?

ACH applications generally take up to 15 business days to process, provided there are no errors. However, due to an anticipated rise in the number of applications, the processing time is expected to be longer.

Can I file multiple businesses under one application?

No, only one entity can be assigned to each Payer Unit Number (PUN). While multiple entities can share the same bank account, they must apply individually since each requires an IRS number linked to the bond.

Already enrolled in ACH?

If so, reduce your risk of missing a payment by signing up to receive automatic payment reminders via email from Deringer.

PMS Dates for 2026