CBP announced on October 6, 2025, that it will not issue refunds or any payments related to drawback claims, post-summary corrections and protests during the government shutdown which began on October 1, 2025.
Although CBP was prohibited from issuing refunds during previous government shutdowns, the agency indicated that this guidance is being reevaluated and any change to the guidance will be communicated accordingly. CBP has instructed importers whose protests are approved to wait for the issuance of refunds. No additional action is currently required on behalf of importers. CBP also clarified that interest will continue to accrue during the shutdown for any payments that are due after the statutory period of thirty days. This applies both to payments owed by importers as well as payments owed by CBP to importers.
CBP also advised importers facing inspection holds at ports to reach out to the ports for more current updates on the status of goods.
Finally, CBP confirmed that a majority of CBP employees were not furloughed, meaning that they continue to report to work. According to a plan submitted by the Department of Homeland Security released on September 29, 2025, over 63,000 employees were estimated to be retained during a lapse in appropriations. As we previously reported, CBP is expected to remain largely operational during the shutdown, including managing the ports, collecting tariffs, and investigating trade violations.
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