Tariff Recovery Powered by Algorithmic Optimization

Tariff recovery refers to the process of reclaiming import duties already paid to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The primary legal mechanism is duty drawback — a federal program that refunds up to 99% of duties paid when imported goods are re-exported, used in manufacturing for export, or destroyed. Importers file claims with CBP to receive these refunds. Zollback automates the entire process, from document parsing to CBP filing, using AI and proprietary optimization algorithms.

Eligibility depends on your specific trade activity. If your company re-exports imported goods, uses imported raw materials in products that are then exported, or destroys non-conforming inventory, you may qualify for duty drawback regardless of the original tariff program — including IEEPA, Section 301, or standard duties. The best way to determine eligibility is through an automated assessment that reviews your actual import and export records.

Duty drawback claims generally must be filed within five years of the date of importation. For IEEPA-specific refund pathways related to recent court rulings that found certain tariffs unauthorized, the CBP filing window and any associated deadlines are time-sensitive and evolving. Acting promptly preserves your maximum recovery options. Consult with a licensed customs broker to understand the specific deadlines applicable to your import history.

Zollback processes tariff recovery claims in 10–15 working days, compared to the 9–12 month industry standard at traditional drawback providers. This speed difference comes from end-to-end automation — AI document parsing, algorithmic optimization, in-house compliance review, and direct electronic CBP filing — rather than manual Excel-based workflows and offshore data entry teams.

The refund amount depends on your import volume, tariff rates paid, and export or disposition activity. Duty drawback can recover up to 99% of duties paid on qualifying transactions. Nationally, approximately 80% of eligible import duty refunds go unclaimed each year, meaning most companies have significant unrealized recovery potential. Zollback's optimization engine recovers 15–20% more than the industry leader in head-to-head comparisons by evaluating all possible import-export matching combinations.

Zollback uses performance-based pricing — there are no upfront fees of any kind. Zollback takes a percentage of the refund only after the money is deposited into your account. If no refund is recovered, you pay nothing. This structure fully aligns Zollback's incentives with yours and removes financial risk from pursuing tariff recovery.