What is self serve duty drawback and how does it work?
Self-serve means you start a drawback claim online, without a sales call: create an account, choose a broker, upload your records and get a first result.
FAQ
Self-serve drawback, without a sales call
After launch, you create an account, choose a broker, upload your records and get a first result on your own. Until then, join the waitlist and try the demo with sample data.
- Filed by a licensed broker†
- Published fees, charged after CBP pays
- Sealed on AMD SEV-SNP
9 questions
Read the full answer
What types of companies are a good fit for self serve duty drawback?
Companies in any industry that import duty-paid goods and then export, destroy or take back some of them, and that can pull a quarter of records.
The detail
It suits teams without a drawback desk, teams that want to keep their own broker, and companies that want Sealed processing for sensitive commercial data.
Defense and aerospace suppliers should keep CUI and technical data out of their uploads.
How does self-serve compare to filing directly through CBP's ABI system?
Filing through ABI yourself means becoming an ABI filer: a letter of intent naming your software, a filer code, your expected volume, certification testing with CBP, and software that handles drawback.
The detail
Self-serve skips that. You upload, the agent drafts the claim package for your broker's review, and a licensed customs broker files through its own ABI connection.
How do I get started with NexQloud Drawback?
Join the waitlist and try the demo with sample data; the service opens to importers after launch.
What if my company does not have an ACE account?
You don't need one to use NexQloud Drawback: you upload the entry summaries your broker gave you.
The detail
To receive refunds by ACH, CBP requires an ACE Portal account and the ACH Refund application, under its Electronic Refunds rule, in effect since February 6, 2026.
You set those up yourself with CBP, or with your broker's help; we never ask for your ACE login or bank details.
- Electronic Refunds rule, Federal Register, Jan 2, 2026[3]
Also asked
- What if I do not have ACE access?
- Do I need a special account to file for these refunds?
How do I file a tariff refund claim in the CAPE portal?
We don't file CAPE; you or your filing broker does.
A CAPE declaration is a CSV file of up to 9,999 entry numbers, uploaded under the CAPE tab of an ACE Portal account.
The detail
It can't be sent through ABI, and only the importer of record or its filing broker may submit it; refund firms work through one of them.
Our sequencing check flags every entry with IEEPA duty, so CAPE comes first.
Can I invite my team, my broker or my CPA?
Yes, with access you control. Invite your broker by email at sign-up; it gets a review queue for your claims.
The detail
Your CPA or adviser can see claim status, never documents, once you consent in writing.
Colleagues can join your account with the roles you set.
- 19 CFR 111.24[6]
Can I export or delete my data?
Yes. You own your data and can export your claim CSVs at any time.
The detail
When you close your account, Sealed-mode working copies were already erased after each run, and Standard-mode documents are deleted on schedule.
We keep claim totals, receipts and billing records; you and your broker keep the records CBP requires, for three years after each claim liquidates.
- 19 CFR 190.15[7]
I sell on Amazon. What is the protocol for tariff refunds?
If you were the importer of record, IEEPA refunds go through CAPE, filed by you or your broker; check your entries for IEEPA duty first.
The detail
Drawback may apply to inventory you export or destroy, including customer returns and removals.
Amazon's FBA reports show returns and removals, but its inventory ledger detail covers 18 months, so older history needs your own archives.
Also asked
- "TARIFF REFUNDS - WHAT IS THE PROTOCOL, AMAZON"
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.[5] 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.[12] 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."[13]
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.