---
title: "Refunds on Import-Export Duties"
description: "Flexport's duty drawback service uses AI to match import and export data, helping U.S. importers and exporters recover up to 99% of duties, taxes, and fees under CBP rules. Flexport has returned over $1 billion in refunds across 300+ customers, finding 4-10x more drawback than other customs brokers."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/products/duty-drawback/
lifecycle: live
---

# Refunds on Import-Export Duties

## Get higher returns from duty drawback

Backed by licensed brokers and an AI operating system that mines your trade data, we've returned over $1 billion in refunds and tariff savings that most importers never knew they were owed.

[Get started](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/get-started/)

## Turn imports and exports into recovered duties

**If you import, you're paying duties.** — Companies leave billions in U.S. duties unclaimed every year because outdated systems and complicated rules get in the way. As tariffs climb, that money gets harder to walk away from.
**If you export, you may qualify for refunds.** — If you export, you're likely owed duties back. Our AI connects your import, export, ERP, and bill of materials (BOM) data, then surfaces every refund you can claim.
**Recover more duties, faster.** — Flexport pairs automation with drawback experts who check the work, so your refund lands quickly and accurately. On average, our technology finds 4 to 10 times more drawback than other customs brokers

## We consistently deliver more than other brokers.

**$1B+** — Returned to customers.
**4-10X** — Return versus competing drawback programs.
**300+** — Customers served.

> Flexport already has all our data. At that point, it was a no-brainer to proceed with the duty drawback program and it took less than six months for the refunds to start flowing in. And this was after two years of spinning our wheels. It was fantastic!
> — Aman Advani, CEO & Co-Founder, Ministry Of Supply

## AI-powered duty drawback

[TALK TO AN EXPERT](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/get-started/)

**End-to-end drawback automation** — Flexport automates the entire drawback workflow, from data collection and document digitization to third-party validation and claim generation, replacing the spreadsheets, paperwork, and back-and-forth of legacy processes.
**Drawback starts with quality data** — Every import and transaction you run with Flexport automatically produces the granular data that drawback recoveries require, and we can review and store data filed by your other brokers too. No more cobbling together unreliable records from scattered sources.
**Easy access to your claims** — Get instant access to all your drawback claims, claim data, and supporting documentation on the Flexport platform, anytime and anywhere. No more guessing where your claims stand.

> Working with Flexport has been an excellent experience. They manage our global brokerage processing and implemented drawback services that delivered returns that were significantly higher than our prior approach, and also significantly outperforming their competitors. Their technology and expertise, including ACE analysis, have uncovered additional insights and savings that continue to drive supply chain optimization.
> — Arjun Lal, Chief Financial Officer, Life Fitness

## Step-by-step Duty Drawback process for importers and exporters

**Step 1: Import goods into the U.S.**
**Step 2: Export or destroy the goods**
**Step 3: Gather documentation**
**Step 4: Match imports to exports**
**Step 5: Prepare and file the claim**
**Step 6: CBP review and approval**
**Step 7: Receive your Duty Drawback refund**

## Duty Drawback best practices for importers and exporters

**Maintain accurate import and export documentation** — With Flexport, you can keep complete records, from entry summaries to invoices and bills of lading, to support your duty drawback claims and keep you compliant with CBP regulations.
**Connect import and export data with platforms like Flexport** — Link your import entries to corresponding export shipments early to easily identify eligible transactions and maximize duty drawback refunds.
**Verify eligibility requirements** — Partner with our experts to confirm which imported products, components, or materials qualify for U.S. duty drawback when they are exported or destroyed.
**File Duty Drawback claims on time** — Our Duty Drawback team will submit claims promptly within the CBP-approved timeframe (typically five years) to accelerate duty recovery and improve cash flow.
**Partner with Duty Drawback experts** — Collaborate with Flexport customs brokers and trade compliance specialists who can help importers and exporters accurately file claims and recover the highest possible refunds.
**Centralize your trade data** — The Flexport platform unifies all your data to manage import/export documentation across your organization for greater visibility and simplified duty drawback management.
**Perform regular compliance audits** — Our experts will conduct internal reviews to ensure CBP duty drawback accuracy, reduce errors, and protect your business from penalties.
**Use automation and technology** — Our technology offers automated data matching, audit tracking, and reporting, saving time while optimizing recovery.

## Get in touch with a member of the Flexport team

[Request a demo](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/get-started/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is Duty Drawback?

Duty drawback is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that lets importers recover up to 99% of duties, taxes, and fees on goods that are exported or destroyed. Filing a duty drawback claim helps businesses cut import costs, boost cash flow, and improve trade efficiency. Partnering with Flexport's duty drawback experts ensures compliant, accurate filings and maximum refund recovery.

### Who is eligible for Duty Drawback?

Duty drawback is not industry-specific — it's available to any U.S. business that imports goods and later exports or destroys them under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rules. Whether you're in manufacturing, retail, or technology, you may qualify to recover up to 99% of import duties, taxes, and fees. Claiming a duty drawback refund helps companies reduce import costs, boost cash flow, and maximize trade profitability.

### How do I maximize Duty Drawback?

Flexport combines advanced technology and trade compliance expertise to help businesses capture every eligible duty drawback refund. Our platform automatically matches import and export data, streamlines filings, and ensures full audit compliance - reducing costs, speeding cash recovery, and optimizing global trade operations.

### Why haven't I heard of duty drawback?

Historically, duty drawback has been a niche, complex, and data-intensive service, often misunderstood and lacking the necessary technological advancements to make it accessible. At Flexport, we're fundamentally changing this.

We've integrated duty drawback natively into the [Flexport Platform](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/products/flexport-platform/), using algorithms and technology to streamline a previously time-consuming process. This approach makes drawback accessible and efficient for companies of all sizes. Even those with smaller recovery potential can now achieve a profitable program, while businesses with larger, more complex supply chains can use our technology to significantly boost and accelerate their refunds, realizing value that was previously out of reach.

### How much money are we really talking about here?

It's estimated that companies leave as much as $6 billion in duty drawback refunds unclaimed each year, and that number is growing with the introduction of new tariffs. The amount you may be missing out on depends on several factors, such as the types and amounts of import duties paid, your export volume and values, and your specific business operations. To estimate your potential recovery, you can apply the following process:

- Identify your total import duties paid over the past year.

- Determine the percentage of your transactions that have been exported or destroyed.

- Multiply the total duties (from step 1) by the percentage (from step 2) for an estimated potential recovery.

This provides a ballpark estimate of your company's annual drawback potential, serving solely as a starting point for discussion. It's important to note that you can retroactively claim drawback on imports, exports, and destructions going back up to five years, meaning newer programs may be eligible for compounded refunds.

### Am I eligible for duty drawback?

If your company imports goods and pays duties, taxes, or fees, and also exports or destroys merchandise, there's a strong possibility you are eligible for duty drawback. Drawback is a refund of up to 99% of certain import duties, taxes, and fees upon exportation or destruction.

The good news is that most industries and commodities qualify for drawback. This includes both unused merchandise (exported in the same condition as imported) and products manufactured using imported components. While there can be some complexities with certain item classifications or export destinations (like Canada, Mexico, and Chile), a wide range of businesses can benefit.

To quickly determine your specific eligibility, Flexport offers a simple questionnaire. You can also reach out directly to our team at CustomsBD@flexport.com for a personalized assessment.

### What is the process for getting started with drawback?

Getting started with duty drawback involves a few key steps to assess your eligibility and potential recovery before the actual implementation begins.

- Assess Potential Recovery: Initial viability determination.

- Consultation: Identify provisions and address eligibility with Flexport's Drawback team.

- Program Establishment: Assist in establishing your program with CBP by submitting a Privileges Application and Ruling, where applicable.

- Data Gathering: Collect necessary data (imports, exports, bills of materials, domestic transactions).

- Claim Preparation & Submission: Prepare and submit complete claims to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on your behalf.

Drawback can be complex, but it doesn't need to be. With Flexport, we'll take you through the process, each step of the way, efficiently and compliantly.

### What duties, taxes, and fees qualify?

Duties, taxes, and fees that qualify for drawback generally include most regular customs duties, Section 301 and 201 duties, the IEEPA Reciprocal and Brazil/India tariffs, the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF), and the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF). However, special duties such as antidumping or countervailing duties, over-quota duties, and Section 232 duties are not eligible for drawback.

### How is drawback calculated?

Drawback is the refund of up to 99% of import duties, taxes, and fees paid upon exportation or destruction. The key is to match the imported goods with the exported or destroyed goods, either directly or indirectly, depending on the specific drawback provision.

For some drawback provisions, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires the calculation to be based on the "lesser of two": either the amount of duty paid on the imported goods or the amount of duty that would be paid on the exported or destroyed goods (or component, in the case of manufacturing) if they were being imported.

While a high-level estimate of potential drawback can be made based on your total import duties and the percentage of those imports that are exported or destroyed, the actual claim calculation for CBP requires more detailed information. This includes specifics about the imported and exported goods, such as their value, quantity, and classification (HTS numbers), to determine the refundable amount accurately.

With Flexport, we simplify this complex calculation process by using technology and expertise to ensure your claims are prepared accurately and compliantly, maximizing your potential recovery.

### Your website says your drawback platform recovers 15% more than traditional software. How does that work?

Our claim is simple: Flexport's drawback platform delivers demonstrably higher refunds, often recovering 15% or more than traditional software and manual processes.

This isn't just an estimate; it's the result of our advanced, proprietary algorithms. Unlike basic sorting or arbitrary pairing algorithms, our platform intelligently analyzes and matches your import and export data. This precision optimization ensures that every eligible transaction is accounted for, maximizing your drawback potential across all provisions and calculation methodologies.

What does this mean for you?

- For Unused Merchandise Substitution Claims: We consistently see improvements in drawback refunds ranging from 10-45%.

- For Manufacturing Substitution Claims: Our platform can yield up to 100% more in recoveries.

By eliminating human error, reducing the risk of mismatched values, and optimizing claim calculations, Flexport's technology ensures you capture every dollar you're legally permitted to recover, making your drawback program significantly more profitable.

## Explore more ways to recover and manage duty

**Customs Brokerage**
Clear customs faster with Flexport's licensed brokers and AI-powered classification. Minimize duties and stay compliant.
[Learn more](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/products/customs/)

**Trade Advisory**
Optimize your supply chain strategy with ACE analyses, duty minimization, tariff engineering, and other advisory programs.
[Learn more](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/products/trade-advisory/)

**HS Code Classification**
Flexport brokers assess your product library and recommend the codes that are most favorable and still 100% compliant.
[Learn more](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/products/product-classification/)

**Control Tower**
Real-time visibility and analytics in one platform, down to the SKU level, to optimize performance and reduce costs.
[Learn more](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/technology/control-tower/)

## Customs and duty news and updates

- [Executive Order 14411 and Foreign Importers: What Your Customs Broker Will Now Ask You](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/blog/executive-order-14411-and-foreign-importers-what-your-customs-broker-will-now-ask-you/)
- [Live Updates: Trump Administration Tariffs, Trade Policy Changes, and Impacts on Global Supply Chains](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/blog/what-president-trumps-2024-u-s-election-win-means-for-global-trade-and/)
- [New Section 301 Forced Labor Tariffs: What Importers Need to Know](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/blog/new-section-301-forced-labor-tariffs-what-importers-need-to-know/)
- [A New Tariff on Canada: What Importers Need to Know About Section 338](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/blog/a-new-tariff-on-canada-what-importers-need-to-know-about-section-338/)

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*This is a markdown version of [https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/products/duty-drawback/](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/products/duty-drawback/) for AI/LLM consumption.*