Duty Drawback is Being Simplified!
jlamadeleine • September 13, 2017
Did you hear that Customs is simplifying the duty drawback regulations?

Did you hear that Customs is simplifying the duty drawback regulations? Have you avoided starting a program because it’s too complicated, too frustrating or just too much work?
Effective February 24, 2018, it will be easier and less time consuming to file duty drawback. The new legislation:
- Will rely upon the Harmonized Tariff Schedule Number (HTS number)
- Eliminates the concept of commercial interchangeability entirely
- Includes a provision that allows a claimant to file under the existing law during a one year transition period (until February 23, 2019)
For a free evaluation to determine if your company can share in the $2,000,000 that’s left unclaimed every year, contact us today !

The American company reached out to ITM for guidance. They were pleased to learn that under U.S. Customs regulations, they could file for duty drawback—a refund of duties paid—on expired and destroyed goods. Within just four months, ITM had successfully obtained the required authorizations and filed all claims related to the product destructions. Due to ITM’s relationship USCBP, and their expertise, over $850,000 in duty refunds was recouped.

On May 28, 2025, a U.S. trade court ruled that President Donald Trump over stepped his authority in imposing the reciprocal tariffs. At that time, the court ordered an immediate block on said tariffs. As of May 29, 2025 a federal appeals court temporarily reinstated the most sweeping of Trump's tariffs. Pausing the lower court’s ruling, The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington is going to consider the government's appeal, and has ordered the plaintiffs in the cases to respond by June 5 and the administration by June 9. This is a developing situation and we will do our best to keep the information coming.

This jewelry retailer's duty drawback success story demonstrates the significant impact that a well-managed duty drawback program can have on profitability. By recovering significant funds, the jewelry retailer was able to reinvest in their business, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen their bottom line in a challenging market.

As of 12:01am, March 4, 2025, tariffs of 25% are effective on products from Canada and Mexico and energy products from Canada are subject to a 10% duty. Products that are presently excluded from these tariffs include goods that are for personal use, goods entered under Chapter 98, donations that are imported under HTSUS 9903.01.21and merely information items included under HTSUS 9903.01.22. All other imported items will carry the 25% tariff and no drawback is permitted on these duties.

The upcoming changes to steel and aluminum tariffs will significantly impact the steel and aluminum industries, with numerous provisions to ensure compliance. Importers, exporters, and manufacturers in the steel and aluminum sectors should stay informed about the latest developments and ensure their operations are aligned with these new tariff regulations.

On February 1, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) that imposes an additional 10% ad valorem tariff on most imports from China, which includes products of Hong Kong. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) quickly followed up with important guidance regarding these changes, particularly impacting the trade community's handling of de minimis shipments from China. Effective February 4, 2025, de minimis shipments from China will no longer be eligible for the administrative exemption from duty under 19 U.S.C. § 1321(a)(2)(C), and will be subject to the new 10% tariffs. Here's everything you need to know about the changes: