Three Major Logistics Providers, FedEx, UPS, and DHL, Launch 'Tariff Refund Process'; Majority of Customers to Receive Automatic Refunds

[Ebrun Original] April 25th News: Following the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning certain tariff policies implemented during the Trump era, the three logistics giants FedEx, UPS, and DHL have successively announced the formal launch of a tariff refund process, initiating automatic refunds for tariff fees previously collected from customers.

According to official statements from the logistics companies, with the U.S. Customs refund portal officially opening this Monday, the related refund procedures have entered the execution phase, marking a substantive development in this fee dispute involving a large number of e-commerce consumers and importers.

This refund action stems from last year's adjustments to the de minimis exemption for low-value imported goods and the implementation of a series of new tariffs, which resulted in many cross-border e-commerce consumers facing unexpectedly high tax fees upon delivery.

In the operational process at the time, logistics companies typically prepaid the tariffs on behalf of the consignee during import and then collected equivalent fees from the consignee prior to delivery. Now, for the portion of tariffs deemed invalid by the Supreme Court, the three logistics providers are 'reversing' this process, aiming to return the surplus funds via the original payment path.

FedEx stated clearly in a declaration on its official website that once it receives the IEEPA tariff refunds from Customs, it will immediately refund the amounts to the original shipper or consumer who bore the cost.

UPS and DHL conveyed similar positions and further confirmed they will utilize existing systems to issue refunds automatically. This means that for the vast majority of ordinary customers, there is no need to proactively contact the logistics company to apply; funds will automatically flow back through existing channels.

However, this automated process does not apply to all groups. If the consignee acted as the 'Importer of Record' (IOR), handling customs clearance independently and paying fees directly to Customs, they must submit an application themselves through the Customs refund portal.

Regarding the refund timeline and scope, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) emphasized that the current refund program is still in its first phase, covering only imported goods that cleared customs after January 30th of this year. For tariffs paid before that date, the relevant refund details and schedule have not yet been announced.

Customs expects funds to be disbursed within 60 to 90 days after application submission, after which logistics companies will settle with end customers successively. Some U.S. consumers may receive payments in the coming months.

It is important to note that not all tariff fees are eligible for refund.

The Supreme Court only overturned certain 'reciprocal tariffs' implemented under emergency powers. Other tariffs, including those under Section 232 targeting steel and aluminum products, remain valid.

Furthermore, tariffs are not the only item on international parcel invoices. UPS has explicitly stated that its administrative fees and customs brokerage service charges collected during the clearance process were 'legally valid' at the time and are therefore not subject to refund.

While FedEx and DHL have not yet made a clear statement regarding the refund of administrative fees, multiple related lawsuits are currently underway, with some customers seeking refunds for these additional surcharges through legal channels.

Ebrun continues to track and report on this development. To learn more about information related to this article, please scan the QR code to follow the author on WeChat.