Duty Drawback Broker Powered by AI and Licensed Experts

A duty drawback broker specializes in identifying, preparing, and filing claims with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to recover import duties paid on goods that were subsequently exported, used in manufacturing for export, or destroyed. They handle eligibility assessment, document preparation, HTS classification, import-export record matching, and direct submission to CBP. A licensed customs broker with drawback expertise — like Zollback — also reviews every claim for regulatory compliance and maintains audit-ready documentation.

Most duty drawback brokers work on a performance-based fee structure, taking a percentage of the refund recovered rather than charging upfront fees. This model aligns the broker's incentives with yours — they only earn when you receive a refund. Zollback follows this model: no upfront fees, no retainers, and no charges unless cash hits your account. The percentage varies by provider, so it is worth comparing net recovery rates, not just gross fees.

With traditional duty drawback brokers using manual workflows and legacy software, the end-to-end process typically takes 9–12 months from engagement to first refund. Zollback's AI-powered automation compresses this to 10–15 working days by eliminating manual data entry and running algorithmic optimization in hours rather than months. This speed difference represents a significant cash flow advantage for companies managing tariff costs.

A qualified duty drawback broker can file claims across all major drawback types: manufacturing drawback (duties on imported raw materials used to produce goods that are exported), unused merchandise drawback (imported goods re-exported in the same condition), rejected merchandise drawback (defective or non-conforming imports returned to the supplier), and destroyed goods drawback (imported goods destroyed under CBP supervision). Eligibility depends on your specific trade activity, product classifications, and supporting documentation.

While companies can self-file duty drawback claims, the process is highly technical — involving HTS classification, import-export record matching, accounting method elections, and strict CBP regulatory requirements. Using a licensed customs broker with drawback expertise significantly reduces the risk of rejected claims, compliance errors, and audit exposure. Zollback's in-house licensed customs brokers review every claim before it is submitted.

The most common qualifiers are: you import goods into the United States and subsequently export them, use imported materials to manufacture goods that are exported, or return or destroy imported merchandise that does not meet specifications. An estimated 80% of eligible import duty refunds go unclaimed nationally, which means many importers qualify without realizing it. Zollback offers an automated eligibility assessment to estimate your refund potential before any commitment.