Alliance Drawback Services Alternative Algorithmic Refund Optimization

Alliance Drawback Services is an established drawback provider with automated matching capabilities, making it more modern than many traditional firms. Zollback differentiates on three dimensions: algorithmic optimization that evaluates every possible import-export combination to recover 15–20% more in refunds, end-to-end processing in 10–15 working days versus the 9–12 month industry standard, and performance-based pricing with no upfront fees. Zollback is also a licensed customs brokerage with direct CBP filing authority, not just a software platform.

Duty drawback is a U.S. government program that refunds import tariffs paid on goods that are subsequently re-exported, used in manufacturing for export, or destroyed. Up to 99% of eligible import duties can be recovered. Despite this, approximately 80% of eligible refunds — an estimated $11–15 billion annually — go unclaimed nationally, often because importers are unaware they qualify or lack the infrastructure to file claims efficiently.

Zollback processes and files duty drawback claims in 10–15 working days. This compares to the 9–12 month standard at most legacy drawback service providers, which rely on manual workflows and older desktop software. The speed advantage comes from AI-powered document parsing and automated optimization algorithms that eliminate the manual steps that create bottlenecks at traditional firms.

No. Zollback uses performance-based pricing — the company takes a percentage of the refund recovered. There are no upfront fees, setup costs, or retainers. You only pay when cash hits your account. This model is fully aligned with your outcome: Zollback only benefits when you receive a larger, faster refund.

Zollback supports all major drawback types: manufacturing drawback (raw materials imported and used to produce finished goods for export), unused merchandise drawback (imported goods re-exported in the same condition), rejected merchandise drawback (defective or non-conforming goods returned to the supplier), and destroyed goods drawback. An automated eligibility assessment identifies which types apply to your specific import-export activity before any commitment is required.

Zollback is both. It operates as a licensed customs brokerage with direct filing authority through certified ABI (Automated Broker Interface) software, and as an AI-powered technology platform. Every claim is reviewed by in-house licensed customs brokers before submission to CBP. This vertically integrated model — AI automation plus licensed compliance expertise plus direct CBP filing — is a key distinction from providers that offer software only or brokerage only.