ACH vs. IMPORTER ACH
When importing goods into the United States, duties, taxes, and fees must be paid to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). One of the most common and efficient ways to make these payments is through ACH (Automated Clearing House).
There are two ACH options available to importers. This guide explains each option and helps you understand which one may be the best fit for your business.
Understanding Your Customs Payment Options
KEY POINTS
What is ACH for Customs Payments?
ACH is an electronic payment method that allows duties and fees to be paid directly from a bank account. It replaces manual payments such as checks and helps reduce delays, errors, and processing time.
ACH payments are:
Accepted by CBP
Designed to support timely cargo release
Secure
Automated
Available ACH Options
Option 1: Standard ACH (Broker ACH)
With Standard ACH, your customs broker pays CBP on your behalf and then invoices you for those charges.
Best For:
Importers with lower shipment volume
Companies that prefer a simpler setup
Businesses that want fewer internal accounting steps
Key Benefits:
Minimal setup required
Broker manages payment timing
Simple and convenient process
Things to Consider:
Less direct control over CBP payments
Payment visibility comes through broker statements
Option 2: Importer ACH
With Importer ACH, duties and fees are paid directly from your company’s bank account to CBP.
Best For:
High-volume importers
Companies that want more control over payments
Businesses with internal accounting or compliance teams
Key Benefits
Direct payment to CBP
Greater transparency and control
Faster reconciliation for accounting teams
Things to Consider:
Requires bank authorization and setup
Importer is responsible for maintaining ACH information
ACH Options at a Glance
How to Choose the Right Option
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Many importers choose the option that best aligns with their internal processes and growth plans.
You may want to consider:
Shipment volume – Higher volume often benefits from Importer ACH
Internal resources – Do you have an accounting team managing customs payments?
Control preferences – Do you prefer direct payment or broker-managed payments?
How Juno Supports You
If you have questions about ACH or Importer ACH, or would like help setting up your preferred option, please contact us credit@junologistics.com. We’re here to help make the process simple and stress-free. Our team will review your business needs during onboarding and help you determine the best ACH option. We also assist with setup, documentation, and coordination to ensure a smooth and compliant process.
