Page Last Updated: 03/03/2025
ACH is an electronic payment option that allows participants to pay U.S. Customs duties, taxes & fees (DTF) directly to CBP electronically, as well as receive refunds of DTF electronically. The ACH system allows the importer to pay directly from their account to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and now integrates with the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).
By enrolling in ACH, you can improve cash flow management, ensure compliance with U.S. Customs requirements, and benefit from an efficient payment system integrated with Automated Commercial Environment.
*NACHA is the National Automated Clearinghouse Association. To participate in ACH, the importer’s financial institution must be a U.S. bank NACHA participant with Electronic Data Interchange capability. Several banks in Canada are NACHA participants. Please contact your financial institution to see if they are NACHA compliant and confirm your options for participating in ACH.
Tip: You will need a 9-digit numerical routing number that starts with zero, 1, 2 or 3.
ACH Debit
With an ACH debit account, you would provide your bank account number and routing number and CBP would automatically draw the funds from your account each billing cycle.
ACH Credit
With an ACH credit account, you are billed for DTF by CBP through the ACE Portal. Upon receipt of your bill, you would push the funds to CBP. Note that importers must establish an ACE Portal account to utilize this option.
ACH Refund
Importers may also submit an ACH refund enrollment application, which is separate from the ACH Debit/Credit applications. ACH refund is available for anyone with a taxpayer-assigned identification number and a U.S. bank account. For information about ACH Refund, please contact (317) 298-1200 ext. 1178 or email GMB.ACHREFUNDSUPPORT@CBP.DHS.GOV
After you are approved for CBP ACH, you will need to determine which payment option you wish to be set up with. There are two preferred payment options for frequent importers. Those options are Periodic Monthly Statements (PMS) or Daily Statements.
PMS
With PMS, entries are combined and paid on a monthly basis. There is an approval process for PMS separate from the ACH Credit/Debit application. To participate in PMS, importers must have a U.S. Customs continuous bond and already be approved for ACH. You cannot apply for PMS if you are not approved for ACH. Willson International can query your tax ID with CBP to verify if your company has already been approved for PMS or if an application will need to be submitted for PMS approval. If PMS approval is needed, Willson International can assist you with submitting your application for PMS approval.
Daily Statements
With Daily Statements, entries are consolidated and paid per day.
Automated Clearinghouse | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Signing Up for Automated Clearinghouse | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
CBP Form 400 – ACH Application | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
CBP Form 401 – Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) Credit Enrollment | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
ACH Refund | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Applying for an ACE Secure Data Portal Account | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
ACE Secure Data Portal Account Application | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is offered without liability on the part of Willson International. It is based on the best available information; however, the tariff environment is rapidly changing, and some details may become outdated. Any advice and/or information contained in this communication is not binding on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), nor does it satisfy the requirements for “reasonable care” in conducting your customs business. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, please contact your customs broker or trade advisor.
