You might be owed money from past shipments. Not from a sale or a return, but from tariffs you already paid. A recent policy change opened the door for billions in tariff refunds for SMB sellers tied to imported goods. On the surface, this sounds like a win for eCommerce sellers. In reality, most SMB merchants will not see that money automatically, and many may not see it at all.
Tariff refunds are back, but not the way you think
The U.S. government introduced a process to refund certain tariffs that were previously collected on imports. These refunds apply to shipments that have already happened, which makes this a retroactive opportunity.
The important detail is that refunds go to the importer of record, which is the party officially responsible for bringing goods into the country.
You paid for it, but you might not get it back
Most small and mid-sized merchants do not act as the importer of record. Instead, they rely on carriers like UPS, FedEx, or DHL to handle the import process.
In many cases, that means:
- The carrier filed the original import paperwork
- The carrier is eligible to request the refund
- The carrier receives the funds first
From there, it is up to the carrier to decide how those funds are handled. You absorbed the cost through your margins, but you are not in control of the refund process.
It turns out this is not just an eCommerce issue. Consumers are starting to ask the same question. In one recent example, gamers filed a lawsuit against Nintendo. Yes, that Nintendo. They are arguing that if the company receives tariff refunds, that money should go back to customers who paid higher prices. Which is a very polite way of saying, “If you get that money back, we want it too.”
The situation is similar. Costs were passed down, but refunds are flowing back to the party that handled the import.
Who gets the tariff refund
There is no single path, and that is part of the challenge.
If the carrier was the importer
The carrier files the claim and receives the refund. Some carriers have said they plan to pass funds back to customers, but there is no automatic process in place.
If you were the importer
You can file directly through customs. This process typically requires more documentation and time to complete.
If you sell on marketplaces
Platforms like Etsy or eBay do not manage tariff refunds. You will need to work directly with your carrier to understand your options.
In every case, refunds require action and follow-up.
Why this is not as straightforward as it sounds
Even if refunds are issued, there are a few important realities to keep in mind:
- Carriers are not legally required to pass funds back to customers
- Refund timelines can take months and are not guaranteed
- Fees such as brokerage and handling are typically not included
Major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL are already filing claims for these refunds, and some have said they plan to reimburse customers once funds are received. At the same time, only the importer of record can file those claims, which means most businesses and consumers are still one step removed from the process.
This creates a gap between where the money is returned and where the cost was originally felt.
This means that even when money flows back into the system, it does not guarantee it flows back to you.
What you can do if you think you are owed money
If you have paid tariffs on past shipments, this is the part you will want to check.
Start with a simple checklist:
- Identify shipments where tariffs were applied
- Confirm which carrier handled the import process
- Reach out to your carrier to ask about refund eligibility
- Keep records of duties paid and shipment details
These are small steps, but they are the difference between knowing where you stand and missing it entirely.
You may not recover every dollar, but taking a few minutes to check now puts you in a better position than waiting and hoping it shows up later.
Tariff refund FAQs
Who gets tariff refunds?
Tariff refunds are issued to the importer of record, which is often the carrier or a third party that handled the import process.
Will my carrier automatically send me a refund?
Not necessarily. Some carriers have said they plan to pass refunds along, but there is no requirement or automatic process.
How long do tariff refunds take?
Timelines are unclear and can take several months depending on the claim and processing.
Do marketplace sellers qualify for refunds?
They may qualify, but marketplaces do not manage the process. Sellers need to work directly with their carrier.
Will I get the full amount back?
Not always. Fees such as brokerage or handling are typically not included in refunds.
How do I know if I am eligible for a tariff refund?
Start by checking past shipments where tariffs were applied and confirm who acted as the importer of record. Your carrier can help clarify whether a claim is being filed and if you may be eligible for a refund.
This is bigger than tariffs
This situation highlights something many merchants do not always see. There are parts of your operations where money moves, but control sits somewhere else. Tariffs are one example, but they are not the only one.
As costs become more complex, visibility into your operations becomes more important. The merchants who perform best are the ones who can track what is happening, understand where money is going, and respond quickly.
Stay on top of your shipping and costs
Changes like this are a reminder that not every cost in your business is straightforward. Money can move through carriers, suppliers, and systems in ways that are not always easy to track, especially as you grow.
That is why visibility matters. When you have a clear view of your orders, inventory, and shipping in one place, it becomes much easier to understand where costs are coming from and where you might be leaving money on the table.
Ordoro brings these pieces together so you can manage fulfillment without jumping between tools or second-guessing your data. With better visibility and control, you can make faster decisions and keep your operations running smoothly as things change.
Learn more about Ordoro and how helps you manage shipping, inventory, and orders in one place →
