Customs and Border Protection developed an online system to process claims after Supreme Court rules Trump-era global tariffs unlawful.
The US government is progressing on a four-part system to refund USD 166 billion in tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), with progress estimated between 40% and 80%, according to a recent court filing.
Brandon Lord of US Customs and Border Protection said the agency is building an online portal for importers and brokers to submit refund requests, which will then undergo processing, review, and repayment. The system could be operational by mid-April.
The refunds follow a 20 February 2026 Supreme Court ruling in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, which found that former President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing global emergency tariffs of 10–50%.
Judge Richard K. Eaton of the US Court of International Trade subsequently ordered Customs to reliquidate entries without applying these duties, ensuring uniform treatment for all affected importers. The decision also upholds the court’s exclusive authority over such trade disputes, allowing efficient resolution and interest payments on all unlawful tariff collections.
Earlier, the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on 20 February 2026 in Learning Resources v. Trump that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing sweeping global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA).
