Dear Valued Customer:

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tariffs assessed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were illegally imposed by the Trump Administration and granted the U. S. Court of International Trade (CIT) authority to determine the refund process.

Now, a federal judge from CIT has ordered the United States government to begin issuing refunds for tariffs imposed under IEEPA. The IEEPA tariffs include duties related to Russian oil, fentanyl, reciprocal measures, and other similar actions.

The Judge also ordered attorneys for the U.S. Government to present to him tomorrow (March 6, 2026) initial steps on how U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP) can refund IEEPA tariffs to importers without requiring them to file a complaint with CIT.

The Trump Administration is expected to appeal this ruling. Nevertheless, we strongly advise all customers who have not already done so to establish an ACH refund account with CBP. Instructions for setting up an ACH refund account can be found here.

Customers who need assistance in creating an ACH refund account should immediately contact either their OEC customs brokerage consultant or customer service representative.

This is an evolving situation, and we will continue to share updates as new information becomes available. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding this matter.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

OEC Group