February 12th, 2026 – On February 3rd, 2026, the President signed H.R. 7148, extending duty-free treatment through December 31st, 2026 for:
- Imports from eligible African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) beneficiary countries
- Select imports from Haiti under the Haiti HOPE and Haiti HELP programs
- Special Haiti rules under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act
This applies to goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption.
Retroactive Duty Refunds Available for Lapse Period
The Act also authorizes retroactive refunds (without interest) for eligible imports entered during the program lapse:
October 1st, 2025 – February 3rd, 2026
Refunds apply only to general ad valorem duties paid during that period.
Refunds do not cover:
- Merchandise Processing Fees (MPF)
- IEEPA/Reciprocal duties
- Any other special duty types
Importers May Resume Preferential Claims
CBP confirmed that importers may begin filing again under these programs:
- SPI “D” resumes February 6th, 2026 (12:01 AM) for AGOA benefits
- Quota-based claims resume February 9th, 2026 (12:01 AM) for AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP imports
Program Coverage Highlights
AGOA Textiles
AGOA textile eligibility is listed under HTSUS Chapter 98, Subchapter XIX, with 12 associated 98 numbers.
Haiti HOPE/HELP
Haiti programs provide preferential treatment (with quotas) for:
- Apparel and textiles
- Wire harness products (HTSUS 8544.42.9090)
There are 13 associated Haiti textile 98 numbers under Chapter 98, Subchapter XX.
HOPE Earned Import Allowance Program (EIAP)
EIAP claims require Commerce-issued certificates, submitted electronically through the entry record.
Deadline to Request Retroactive Refunds: August 2nd, 2026
Importers must request refunds within 180 days of enactment, no later than:
August 2nd, 2026
Requests depend on entry status:
- Unliquidated entries: File a Post Summary Correction (PSC)
- Liquidated entries within protest window: File a protest
- Liquidated entries past protest period: Submit written request through ACE DIS
All filings must clearly reference:
- “Retroactive AGOA Duty Refund” or “Retroactive Haiti Duty Refund”
- CSMS #67647279 (02/06/26)
Quota Entries Not Fully Retroactive
Quota entry type 02 is not retroactive, but CBP will refund duties paid above the in-quota rate during the lapse.
Quota access resumes February 9, 2026, with new bulletins issued for:
- Haiti HELP
- AGOA Limits
- Haiti HOPE
Important Restrictions
- AD/CVD duties are not refundable, only general Column 1 duties
- Goods subject to Section 232 duties or quotas are not eligible for AGOA/HOPE/HELP preference or refunds
Electronic Refunds via ACH
Beginning February 6th, 2026, CBP will issue refunds electronically via Automated Clearing House (ACH) (with limited exceptions). Importers are encouraged to ensure refund setup is current.
Read the full CSMS HERE.
Should you have any questions, please contact our Import Compliance team or call us at 518-785-6000.
