With talk of Higher Tariffs on Imports, You Need to Maximize Your Potential for Duty Drawbacks on your Exports

If you're importing components then producing materials that you export or have needed to destroy, did you know you can recover up to 99% of the duties, taxes, and fees paid on imported materials? This is a benefit only set to improve as the new administration implements it's updated tariff strategy.

This is the power of duty drawback—a U.S. Customs program that can refund costs on imports that are later exported or destroyed.

At its core, duty drawback ensures businesses don’t pay unnecessary fees on goods that ultimately leave the U.S. It’s a game-changer for importers, exporters, and manufacturers looking to trim costs in their supply chains.

U.S. companies claim millions of dollars annually through these refunds.

Duty Drawback: How It Works

Alba specializes in handling the intricacies of duty drawback claims so you don’t have to. From verifying eligibility to filing claims with accuracy, our team ensures your business reaps the full benefits—faster.

1. Eligibility Assessment: First, we help you determine if your goods qualify under one of the three types of drawbacks—Unused Merchandise, Manufacturing, or Rejected Merchandise.
2. Documentation: We then compile the required trade data, including import/export paperwork, invoices, and proof of exportation.
3. Filing the Claim: We help submit the claim to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on your behalf, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

While the process sounds straightforward, the complexity lies in the details. Each step demands precision, compliance, and familiarity with evolving regulations in order to maximize the value of your recovered duties.

With Alba’s guidance, refunds can land in your account in as little as 4–6 weeks, compared to the standard 1–2 years.

Understanding Duty Drawback Programs

Unused Merchandise Drawback

You can recover duties on imported goods that are never used domestically. With an Unused Merchandise Drawback, businesses can claim refunds for products that are exported or destroyed under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) supervision.

Who benefits?

• Retailers with unsold, imported inventory destined for export.
• E-commerce businesses shipping unused goods internationally.

This program is the perfect solution for companies looking to minimize losses on surplus inventory while keeping costs under control.

Manufacturing Drawback

If you use imported materials in your production process and export the finished products, you may qualify for a Manufacturing Drawback. For example, a furniture manufacturer using imported wood: if their final products are exported, they can recover duties paid on the imported raw materials.

Rejected Merchandise Drawback

Not every imported product ends up fulfilling its intended purpose. Rejected Merchandise Drawback applies to goods that are flawed, defective, or simply not what was ordered. These items can qualify for refunds if exported or destroyed under CBP supervision.

An electronics importer may receive a batch of defective devices. Instead of absorbing the cost, they can leverage this program to recover the duties paid on those products.

Maximize Savings and Stay Competitive with Duty Drawback

For businesses navigating tight margins, duty drawback isn’t just a benefit—it’s a lifeline. By reclaiming these funds, companies can unlock critical cash flow improvements.

Leveraging duty drawback allows you to lower the cost of goods sold, enabling you to adjust pricing strategies and remain competitive in global markets. Whether it’s offering more attractive pricing or maintaining an edge against rising costs, duty drawback provides the flexibility you need to thrive.

Accelerating Refunds

Time is money. That’s why Alba specializes in helping clients secure their refunds faster through Accelerated Payment Privileges. This process shortens the typical refund timeline from months—or even years—to just 4 to 6 weeks.

Streamlined Processes

Duty drawback claims involve extensive documentation. Alba offers turnkey solutions to manage every detail, from gathering paperwork to submitting claims with precision.

Take the Next Step Toward Maximizing Your Savings

If you're ready to unlock the benefits of duty drawback and streamline your trade compliance, then book a free consultation today. We can evaluate your unique business needs and provide actionable strategies. Start here: https://albawheelsup.com/contact-us/