The online system established to process refund claims for tariffs struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court is operating "smoother" than many market participants had anticipated, according to a U.S. customs executive at global freight forwarder Kuehne + Nagel (K+N). The mechanism was launched last month after the court invalidated broad tariffs imposed the prior year, enabling importers to pursue up to $166 billion in rebates.
K+N has positioned itself to help customers through the multi-step claims process. The company assists with preparing data spreadsheets in the required format, uploading those files to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection online portal and tracking progress. It also offers consulting services for clients seeking guidance on the submissions.
"It’s been very positive, almost surprisingly positive," said Greg Tompsett, senior vice president of K+N’s U.S. customs unit. "We’ve had good functionality and ability to submit it on behalf of our customers." Tompsett's comments reflect the company’s early experience with the portal and the technical ability to lodge claims electronically for clients.
A K+N spokesperson said that thousands of the firm’s customers have already completed filings for refunds, representing the vast majority of the Swiss company’s U.S.-importing clientele. That volume suggests significant engagement by importers relying on third-party experts to manage the administrative burden of the claims process.
Despite the smoother-than-expected rollout, some clients remain cautious. Tompsett noted that customers have voiced concerns about the potential for increased scrutiny of filings they submitted in the previous year. He said the prior period saw rapid and significant changes, creating a need for "confidence in the accuracy of everything you filed."
Those concerns underline the tension importers face between seeking recovery of tariff costs and exposing past entries to additional examination by authorities. The filing work and consultations provided by firms like K+N aim to mitigate that risk by ensuring data and supporting documentation meet the portal’s requirements.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Monday estimated the first electronic refunds could begin as soon as May 12. The agency’s timetable provides a target for when importers might start to see money returned, contingent on the completion and review of submitted claims.
Impacted sectors
- Logistics and freight forwarding
- Import-dependent manufacturers and retailers
- Customs brokerage and trade compliance services