Federal customs officials announced Friday they are developing a streamlined refund system that will allow businesses to reclaim illegally collected tariff payments within 45 days, eliminating the need for costly lawsuits.
Brandon Lord, a senior official with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, made the announcement in court documents as federal attorneys worked with a trade judge to establish procedures for returning $166 billion in tariff collections to approximately 330,000 importing businesses.
The refunds stem from tariffs that formed a cornerstone of former President Donald Trump’s trade strategy, which the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional last month. While the high court struck down the tariffs, it provided no guidance on refund procedures, leaving many smaller importing companies concerned about expensive and lengthy legal battles.
According to Lord’s court filing with the U.S. Court for International Trade, the upcoming system will streamline the process significantly. “This new process will require minimal submission from importers,” Lord stated in the document.
