Recover the Duties
You've Already Paid
If your business imports goods that are later exported, used in manufacturing exports, or destroyed under CBP supervision, you may be eligible to recover up to 99% of the duties paid. Kesco manages the entire claim process from eligibility review through CBP refund.
- Up to 99% Recovery
- Licensed Drawback Broker
- 35+ Years Experience
0
%
Maximum recoverable duties under CBP drawback rules
Statutory maximum for most drawback claim types
0
Years
Lookback period for most drawback claims
From date of import to drawback claim filing
0
Types
Manufacturing, Unused, and Rejected Merchandise
Each with distinct eligibility requirements
- Drawback Types
Three Drawback Programs. One Team Manages All of Them.
Eligibility depends on how the imported goods move after entry. Kesco identifies which program applies and manages the claim from there.
- Manufacturing Drawback
Duties on Imported Materials Used in Exports
For importers who use foreign-sourced materials to manufacture goods that are subsequently exported. Duties paid on the imported inputs are recoverable against the exported finished product.
- Requires production records linking inputs to exports
- Substitution manufacturing drawback available
- Kesco assists with production record reconciliation
- Unused Merchandise Drawback
Duties on Goods Exported in the Same Condition
For importers who export goods in the same condition as imported, without further manufacturing or processing. The most straightforward drawback type when documentation is in order.
- Goods must be exported within 5 years of import
- Substitution unused drawback available in many cases
- AES/EEI export documentation required
- Rejected Merchandise Drawback
Duties on Goods Returned to the Foreign Supplier
For importers who return goods to the foreign supplier or destroy goods under CBP supervision due to defects or non-conformance.
- Covers goods that did not conform to sample or specification
- Destruction under CBP supervision qualifies
- 3-year filing window from date of export or destruction
- How It Works
From Eligibility Review to CBP Refund
Four steps where Kesco manages the entire drawback claim lifecycle on your behalf.
1
Eligibility Review
We review your import and export history to identify which goods qualify for drawback and estimate the recovery potential before any work begins.
2
Record Reconciliation
We gather CBP import entry records, export documentation, and where applicable manufacturing records, and reconcile them to support the claim.
3
Claim Filing
We prepare and file the drawback claim through CBP's ACE portal, including all required documentation and supporting records.
4
Refund Tracking
We track claim status through the ACE portal, respond to any CBP inquiries, and confirm receipt of the refund payment.
- Related Services
Drawback Pairs with the Full Customs Picture
Accurate entry filing and classification are prerequisites for clean drawback claims. Kesco handles all three.
- Customs Services
Customs Brokerage
Clean entry records are the foundation of every drawback claim. Kesco's licensed brokers file and maintain your entry history in ACE.
- Customs Services
HTS Classification
Correct HTS classification on import entries is required to support drawback claims. Misclassification creates complications at the claim stage.
- Overview
Customs & Financial Services
See all four services together: brokerage, drawback, classification, and cargo insurance under one licensed team.
- FAQ
Duty Drawback Questions
How drawback works, what qualifies, and what the claim process looks like.
Duty drawback is a CBP program that allows importers to recover up to 99% of the customs duties, fees, and taxes paid on imported merchandise that is subsequently exported, used to manufacture an exported product, or destroyed under CBP supervision. Claims are filed through the ACE portal and require documentation linking the imported goods to the qualifying export or destruction event.
The process begins with identifying qualifying imports and their corresponding exports or destruction events. Kesco reconciles the import entry records with export documentation, prepares the claim, and files through the ACE portal. CBP reviews the claim and issues a refund, typically up to 99% of duties paid.
Goods must have had duties paid on import and must subsequently be exported, used in manufacturing goods that are exported, or destroyed under CBP supervision within the applicable timeframe. Manufacturing drawback requires that the imported material was used to produce the exported article. Unused merchandise drawback applies to goods exported in the same condition as imported.
CBP processing times typically run 3 to 12 months depending on the claim type, volume, and whether CBP selects the claim for review. Accelerated payment options are available for pre-certified claimants. Kesco tracks all claims through the ACE portal and follows up with CBP as needed.
Drawback claims require CBP import entry records showing duties paid, export documentation (AES filings), and for manufacturing drawback, production records linking imported material to the exported finished goods. Kesco assists with record gathering and reconciliation as part of the claim preparation process.
Find Out How Much You Can Recover
Tell us about your import volumes and export activity. We’ll identify your drawback potential before any work begins.