What documents do I need to provide?
Every claim rests on five records: entry summaries (CBP 7501), commercial invoices, packing lists, transport documents and export records.
FAQ
The documents a drawback claim needs
Most claims start from five kinds of records, and some claim types need more. You upload what you have, and the agent lists what's missing in plain words.
- Filed by a licensed broker†
- Published fees, charged after CBP pays
- Sealed on AMD SEV-SNP
9 questions
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What documents do I need to upload to get started?
One quarter of records is enough to start: entry summaries, invoices, packing lists, transport documents and export records, or your ACE report exports.
The service opens to importers after launch; until then, try the demo with sample data.
The detail
The agent reads PDFs, scans, spreadsheets or a ZIP, in any mix. We never ask for your ACE login or bank details.
Review your CBP 7501s and export records first; together they show what duty you paid and what left.
- 19 CFR 190.51[1]
Also asked
- What documents should a business review first?
- What file formats can I upload?
Do I need perfect records?
No. You upload what you have, and the completeness meter lists what's missing in plain words.
The detail
A claim still needs the data CBP requires for each line, so gaps can drop lines from a claim.
ACE reports, your broker's files and Census export reports can fill many gaps. The 24-hour clock starts once your package is complete.*
*24 hours from a complete package: entry summaries (CBP 7501), commercial invoices, packing lists, transport documents and export records for the period, plus the bill of materials and production records for manufacturing claims. We tell you the moment your package is complete, and the clock starts then. CBP rulings, waivers and approvals are separate from this clock.
- 19 CFR 190.51[1]
Also asked
- Are your records complete and accurate?
What counts as proof of export?
A bill of lading, air waybill, freight waybill, Canadian customs manifest or cargo manifest; official postal records for mail; or records from an electronic export system CBP has approved.
The detail
Copies and records kept in the normal course of business are accepted.
The proof must show the date and fact of export and the identity of the exporter.
How do I get my export (EEI) records?
Request them from Census through ACE Export Reports, or ask the forwarder or carrier that filed them for you.
Do I still need certificates of delivery?
No. The 2018 drawback rules eliminated the certificate of delivery (CBP Form 7552).
The detail
Instead, keep transfer records in the normal course of business that show the parties, dates, entry numbers, quantities, duties and 10-digit HTS codes.
Do I need a full 10-digit HTS code for accurate duty calculations?
Yes, on the import side: a claim lists each import line's 10-digit HTS code, which your CBP 7501 already shows.
The detail
Substitution matching uses 8 digits; for unused merchandise, 10 where the 8-digit description begins with "other."
The 2026 tariffs sit on separate Chapter 99 lines, which the agent reads alongside each product line.
What are IEEPA HTS Chapter 99 codes?
Chapter 99 codes are the 9903 lines on an entry summary that carry additional duties next to a product's own HTS code.
The detail
IEEPA duty appears on its own Chapter 99 lines, and so does each 2026 program; for example, 9903.03.01 for the Section 122 surcharge.
Check your CBP 7501s or ACE entry summary reports line by line. The agent reads them and flags every entry with IEEPA duty.
Also asked
- How do I check if my imports face reciprocal tariffs?
- How do I identify shipments eligible for tariff refunds?
How long must I keep drawback records?
Keep claim records for three years after the claim liquidates; an older rule counts three years from payment, so keep them to the later date.
The detail
Exporters must keep export (EEI) and shipping records for five years from export.
For an old import claimed late, that can mean keeping source records for years beyond the claim itself.
We keep claim totals, receipts and billing records; you and your broker keep the records CBP requires.
Editorial
Sources and changes
Written by the NexQloud Drawback team from the primary sources linked on this page.
Change log
- First published.
Not legal advice. NexQloud Drawback is not a government agency.
NexQloud Drawback is software used by licensed customs brokers.
Get started
Read less. Run the demo.
Run the demo on a sample file. About three minutes.
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01
Upload one quarter.
Entry summaries, invoices and export records.
WhoYou
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02
AI drafts your claim.
It ties each export to its import, to the cent.
WhoThe agent
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03
Your broker files. CBP pays you.
The refund goes directly to your bank account.
WhoA licensed broker
Your email and name open the demo. We never ask for your ACE login or bank details.
Ready now? Start a claimIEEPA refunds
Got your IEEPA refund? Drawback is the one that repeats.
We check every entry for CAPE first, the order CBP recommends.[11] Drawback can recur every year.
Which tariffs qualify?
For partners
Be the firm that finds your clients a second refund.
Brokers earn the drawback fee. CPA firms bill their own work. Refund firms keep their CAPE clients. Design partners help shape it before launch.
Apply to partner
No fee to apply. We reply within 2 business days.
What is duty drawback?
A refund of up to 99% of the duties, taxes and fees you paid on imports that you later export or destroy, or that went into products you export.[2] It works in any industry.
When can I start?
We open to importers in waves, in the order of the waitlist. The demo shows the whole product with sample data today, and partners can apply now.
What will you need from me?
One quarter of records to start: entry summaries, invoices, packing lists, shipping documents, and export, return or destruction records.
How long until CBP pays?
With accelerated payment, CBP can pay before the claim is final. Its only published timing, from December 2018: processing "will generally take place within 3 weeks of the claim resubmission date."[15]
Can I use my own customs broker?
Yes. Invite your own broker, or use one we name before you sign. Your POA stays with your broker, and your broker sets its own fee.
What if CBP pays less than claimed?
The fee follows what CBP actually pays. If CBP later recovers part of a payment, the fee is reduced to match.
Do you file CAPE claims?
No. We check every entry for CAPE first and flag what belongs there. You or your broker files CAPE. Refund firms work through one of you.