Our Process

Building a drawback program is a multi-step process. We guide you through each stage so you can begin claiming drawbacks as soon as possible.

Step 1: Identify Opportunities

We start by reviewing your business, supply chain, and compliance needs to identify potential duty drawback opportunities.

Step 2: Establish Privileges

Our team of experts helps you prepare and submit your duty drawback privilege application with CBP along with APP registration.

Step 3: Onboarding

We prepare filings, secure bonds, and implement compliance strategies to keep you protected and profitable.

Step 4: Ongoing
Support

Our team continuously monitors claim activity, keeping you audit-ready while ensuring maximum returns.

Establishing a Duty Drawback Program

Before you can claim Duty Drawbacks, you’ll need to establish a Duty Drawback program. A well-built program helps you identify every refund you’re entitled to. It also gets you bonded, qualified, and registered for Accelerated Payment Privileges (APP). Most importantly, it creates an organized system for recordkeeping that keeps you compliant and audit-ready.

Setting up a Duty Drawback program may feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. With expert guidance, a clear process, and proven results, we make it simple to recover the refunds your business deserves.

When you engage with JG Eberlein, we’ll help you:
  • Register with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
  • Secure the approvals and bonds required
  • Identify eligible imports, exports, and destroyed goods
Launching a Duty Drawback program is part strategy, part compliance. It requires careful mapping of your supply chain to capture every eligible transaction. Strong recordkeeping is essential, but the payoff is substantial. Once in place, a program becomes a repeatable process that generates refunds year after year.
  • Gather and reconcile import and export records
  • Match data using Direct Identification or Substitution methods
  • Prepare and file Duty Drawback claims with CBP

The real work of Duty Drawbacks lies in data management. Imports and exports must be matched according to what Customs accepts — either by tracking exact shipments or proving commercial interchangeability. With the right systems and expertise, even complex flows can be aligned to maximize recoveries.

JG Eberlein supports every stage of the Duty Drawback process. We prepare Manufacturer’s Drawback Rulings, submit requests for Special Privileges such as APP and Waivers of Prior Notice, and manage claim preparation and filing. Our team coordinates directly with CBP for follow-up, provides audit support, and oversees record retention to keep your program compliant and efficient. For companies seeking full support, we manage the entire Duty Drawback account as an end-to-end service.

  • Initial setup: 3–6 months for Customs approval
  • First refund: 12–18 months without Accelerated Payment Privilege (APP)
  • With APP: Refunds in as little as 4–6 weeks after claim submission

While Duty Drawbacks aren’t instant refunds, they grow into a powerful long-term asset. Once initial claims are approved and APP is secured, refunds become a steady, predictable source of cash flow — almost like a trade-based rebate program.

A successful Duty Drawback program begins with data. Companies must capture import and export records in detail to maintain visibility across all shipments. Eligibility is then assessed by determining which provisions apply — such as unused merchandise, manufacturing, or rejected goods. Once rules are clear, claim-ready systems are developed to ensure accuracy and timeliness. With proper planning, refunds accelerate and cash flow improves.

Shipping JGEberlein

Establishing a Duty Drawback program is more than a compliance exercise — it’s a financial strategy. By capturing, filing, and managing claims effectively, your business can recover significant costs and improve global competitiveness.

Do You Qualify to Claim Hidden Trade Savings?

Did You Know?

Duty Drawbacks unlock refunds of up to 99% of duties, taxes, and fees on eligible imports. But in order to claim them, you’ll need to set up a Duty Drawback program first.

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Learn more about Duty Drawbacks, Customs Bonds, or Trade Consulting Services.

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