Ropes & Gray Partners Quoted in Barron's on Tariff Refund Process

A new article in Barron's quotes a Ropes & Gray client alert authored by partners Robert Silvers, Doug Hallward-Driemeier, Ama Adams, Michael Littenberg, and Emerson Siegle for its analysis of the practical and legal challenges facing importers seeking refunds following the Supreme Court's decision striking down the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs.

The partners highlight that U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the agency responsible for processing any refunds, falls within the Department of Homeland Security, which is currently unfunded during the partial government shutdown, raising questions about how quickly a refund process can be announced and executed.

“For importers who have paid billions of dollars in duties flowing from IEEPA-related tariffs, the decision represents an opportunity to pursue potentially significant refunds," the partners wrote, adding that while the specific steps importers must take remain unclear, they "will need to take proactive steps and navigate what is expected to be a complex and potentially contentious reimbursement process.”

Please contact the partners mentioned above with any questions about how the Supreme Court decision affects your business.