Welcome to U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trade Education Series.
Today's topic: How to file a drawback claim in CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment, otherwise known as ACE.
Although it’s the oldest trade program in the United States, duty drawback has been modernized for the 21st century
and as such, all claims must be filed electronically in ACE.
To file an electronic claim, we suggest the following steps to make things a bit easier.
First, gather all applicable records necessary to file a claim, including import entry records, manufacturing records as applicable,
logistical records that show how the merchandise was moved from import through export or destruction, and the actual proof of export or destruction.
Claimants are required to identify the relevant CBP entry record in their claim and this document is commonly known as CBP Form 7501.
For the remaining documentation, claimants may use any records kept in the normal course of business.
Once you’ve gathered the documentation, you will need to decide how to electronically file the claim with CBP.
Claimants currently have three options to file:
Option one: Hire a licensed Customs Broker to construct and electronically file a claim on your behalf.
Any licensed Customs Broker may construct and electronically file a claim.
Licensed Brokers may be found on the internet using a search engine, or claimants may use a Broker listed on CBP.gov.
Brokers will charge a fee for their service, and this fee is not regulated by CBP.
To use this option, contact the Customs Broker of your choice to discuss what they will need to begin the process.
Option two: Self-file your claim through a service bureau.
This option requires the claimant to construct the claim in accordance with the guidelines in the Customs Regulations and the
ACE Business Rules and Process Document found on CBP.gov, and then utilize a service bureau to electronically transmit the claim to CBP.
Claimants must obtain an entry filer code from CBP before using this option.
Service bureaus can be found on the internet using a search engine, or claimants may use one of the service providers listed on CBP.gov.
Some service bureaus are also licensed Customs Brokers, so be sure to clarify exactly what services you expect them to perform.
Service bureaus will charge a fee for their service, and this fee is not regulated by CBP.
To use this option, contact the service bureau of your choice and discuss what they will need to begin.
Option three: Self-file a claim through your own communications link with CBP.
This option requires the claimant to construct the claim in accordance with the Customs regulations and the ACE Business Rules and Process Document,
and then file the claim electronically with CBP in accordance with the Drawback CATAIR, which can be found on CBP.gov.
Claimants must transmit their claims via the Automated Broker Interface, otherwise know as ABI, using CBP certified software.
Claimants may find software providers on the internet or may use one of the software providers listed on CBP.gov.
Claimants must obtain an entry filer code from CBP and file a Notice of Intent with the CBP Client Representative Branch before using this option.
To use this option, contact your assigned CBP client representative.
If you do not have an assigned representative, contact a client representative at the email address found at the end of this video.
To review what we’ve covered, all claimants, whether a business or a private individual, must utilize one of the three methods described previously to electronically file a claim with CBP.
Use a Licensed Customs Broker to construct and file your claim.
Self-file your claim through a service bureau.
Self-file a claim through your own communications link with CBP.
And remember, claims may not be filed directly with a CBP Office or through the ACE portal.
Now that you are familiar with the electronic filing requirements, take a moment and review these reminders.
If you haven’t done so already, claimants are strongly encouraged to visit and review the drawback page on CBP.gov at the conclusion of this video.
Be sure to review the ‘Frequently asked questions’.
All claims must be filed in accordance with the requirements found in the ACE Business Rules and Process Document found on CBP.gov, and 19 CFR Part § 190 of the Customs Regulations.
With limited exceptions, all claims must be filed within five years of the merchandise import date.
Claims that are not filed timely are considered abandoned.
Claims usually take one to three years to process and if a refund is approved, it will usually be disbursed three weeks after the claim decision date.
Claimants may review Part § 190.92 of the Customs Regulations for guidance on how to accelerate a drawback refund.
This concludes our presentation.
If you have additional questions or need additional information, please visit CBP.gov,
or contact CBP at the email addresses listed here.
(Displayed on screen) Drawback on CBP.gov: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/entry-summary/drawback-overview https://www.cbp.gov/trade/drawback/drawback-reminder-manual-filers
(Displayed on screen) Locate a Customs Broker by Port: https://www.cbp.gov/contact/find-broker-by-port
(Displayed on screen) Service Provider and Software Vendors: https://www.cbp.gov/reusable-block/ace-software-vendors-and-service-providers https://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/abi-software-vendors-list
(Displayed on screen) Client Representatives: gmb.clientrepoutreach@cbp.dhs.gov CBP Office of Trade: OTDrawback@cbp.dhs.gov CBP Ports and Contact Phone Numbers: https://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports