On February 3, 2026, the United States House of Representatives narrowly passed a comprehensive spending bill. While the primary aim of the bill was to end a partial government shutdown and fund several federal agencies, it also included the restoration and extension of two key trade preference programs: the African Growth and Opportunity Act (“AGOA”) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act (“Haiti HELP”). Both programs are now authorized to continue through December 31, 2026. President Trump signed the bill into law later that same day.
A significant provision of the new law addresses the gap period during which AGOA and Haiti HELP had lapsed. Goods that were eligible for benefits under either program and entered the United States during this lapse are now eligible for a refund of duties paid. To claim these refunds, importers must file requests for liquidation or reliquidation within 180 days of February 3, 2026. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is required to process and issue these refunds within 90 days of receiving a request. However, no interest will be paid on any refunded tariffs.
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