Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already ImposedPolicies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect
Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has created and launched a system to refund the money companies paid for tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The portal opened April 20, and refunds are expected to take 60 to 90 days.
New York—The portal to apply for tariff refunds is open and will remain open indefinitely, though the Jewelers Vigilance Committee is encouraging jewelry businesses to submit their claims sooner rather than later.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) opened the portal last Monday, April 20, and the process of applying to get money back is “fairly simple,” JVC President and General Counsel Sara Yood told National Jeweler on Monday.
Peter Klestadt, a senior partner and trade law specialist with New York law firm GDLSK, said on a webinar held by JVC last week that companies “can’t expect [the refund process] to be perfect, [but] the lion’s share should go smoothly.”
As noted during the webinar, refunds are available only for duties paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA.
President Donald Trump began imposing higher tariffs citing his authority under IEEPA in early 2025, beginning with Canada, Mexico, and China.
In April 2025, the president expanded the scope of his emergency tariffs, placing a 10 percent across-the-board import tax on goods entering the U.S. from nearly everywhere, as well as higher “reciprocal” tariffs on imports from a long list of countries.
Numerous small businesses sued the Trump administration over the tariffs, and the case made it all the way to the Supreme Court.
In February, the court ruled the president’s IEEPA tariffs were unconstitutional but remanded the issue of refunds—meaning if and how they would be paid—to the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT).
CIT issued a series of orders beginning March 4 that directed CBP to refund IEEPA tariffs.
In response, the agency developed a refund processing system within its Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) called the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries system, or CAPE.
To begin the refund process through CAPE, companies must have an ACE Secure Data Portal account and set up ACH payments, as refunds will not be issued via check.
Yood said most companies have these accounts already, but those that do not can apply for one.
Those who have trouble applying can contact ACE support via email at ACE.Support@cbp.dhs.gov or call 866-530-4172.
Klestadt noted during the webinar that CBP has made the support line a 24-hour hotline.
He suggested calling during off-hours, such as between midnight and 1 a.m., to avoid long wait times.
Related stories will be right here …
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) opened the portal last Monday, April 20, and the process of applying to get money back is “fairly simple,” JVC President and General Counsel Sara Yood told National Jeweler on Monday.
Peter Klestadt, a senior partner and trade law specialist with New York law firm GDLSK, said on a webinar held by JVC last week that companies “can’t expect [the refund process] to be perfect, [but] the lion’s share should go smoothly.”
As noted during the webinar, refunds are available only for duties paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA.
President Donald Trump began imposing higher tariffs citing his authority under IEEPA in early 2025, beginning with Canada, Mexico, and China.
In April 2025, the president expanded the scope of his emergency tariffs, placing a 10 percent across-the-board import tax on goods entering the U.S. from nearly everywhere, as well as higher “reciprocal” tariffs on imports from a long list of countries.
Numerous small businesses sued the Trump administration over the tariffs, and the case made it all the way to the Supreme Court.
In February, the court ruled the president’s IEEPA tariffs were unconstitutional but remanded the issue of refunds—meaning if and how they would be paid—to the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT).
CIT issued a series of orders beginning March 4 that directed CBP to refund IEEPA tariffs.
In response, the agency developed a refund processing system within its Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) called the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries system, or CAPE.
To begin the refund process through CAPE, companies must have an ACE Secure Data Portal account and set up ACH payments, as refunds will not be issued via check.
Yood said most companies have these accounts already, but those that do not can apply for one.
Those who have trouble applying can contact ACE support via email at ACE.Support@cbp.dhs.gov or call 866-530-4172.
Klestadt noted during the webinar that CBP has made the support line a 24-hour hotline.
He suggested calling during off-hours, such as between midnight and 1 a.m., to avoid long wait times.
Currently, CBP is in what it’s calling Phase I of the refund process, which includes only entries that have not yet been liquidated or have been liquidated within the past 80 days.
Liquidation, Yood explained Monday, is a term used by CBP that means finalization or settlement of a customs bill.
Companies pay an estimated tariff when they bring goods in the U.S. It is not until about 10 months later that the bill is settled and the entry is liquidated.
Yood said the earliest tariffs Trump imposed under IEEPA, like the fentanyl tariffs placed on Chinese imports, are past the 80-day window.
However, a significant portion of the reciprocal tariffs announced on “Liberation Day” in April 2025 and quickly paused are still within that 80-day window for a Phase I refund.
“We are encouraging businesses to file quickly because we are approaching the window for April tariffs,” she said.
The importer of record must be the one to file for the refund; they will need to upload a CSV spreadsheet with a list of entry numbers separated by commas.
Upon uploading the spreadsheet, they will receive an acceptance or rejection notice, such as “no IEEPA duties were collected,” immediately.
Refunds are expected to be issued within 60 to 90 days.
If a company used a shipping firm as the importer of record, then the shipping firm must be the one to file, Yood said.
The two major U.S. shippers, UPS and FedEx, have announced publicly that they will be filing for tariff refunds, then passing the money along to their clients.
Phase II of the process will involve refunding IEEPA tariffs paid on entries that were liquidated more than 80 days ago, as well as entries that are under review due to protests filed by the importer.
Yood said CBP has not yet announced the date on which Phase II of the refund process will begin.
A replay of JVC’s tariff refund webinar is available on the members-only section of the organization’s website.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
