Editorial Team Most collectors have never heard of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), but this obscure law is suddenly putting money back into their pockets. If you bought imported goods from China between 2018 and 2021, you likely paid extra tariffs without even realizing it, and now the government is issuing refunds for those overpayments, creating an unexpected windfall for anyone who imported collectibles during that window.
Key Takeaways
- If you imported collectibles hit with Section 301 tariffs from 2018 to 2021, you can get that duty money back.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is already paying out billions, and a good chunk of that is going to people who brought in collectibles.
- To get your money, you’ll need good records of your import entries and have to talk with your customs broker or CBP.
- You have time, the refund claim window for these old imports could stay open into 2026, but you need to get on it yourself.
““If there was 10% of job loss in Toronto or Montreal or Quebec City or Vancouver, it'd be all over the news, and it'd be a lot of pressure on the governments to do something,” says Stéphane Lefebvre, an employee and union leader, whose father and grandfather also worked at the mill.”
Background: The Tariff Mess
Back in 2018, the U.S. government used IEEPA to slap extra taxes, called Section 301 tariffs, on a ton of stuff coming from China. We’re talking an extra 7.5% to 25% on top of the normal import fees. The government said it was targeting big companies, but the list of products was so huge that regular collectors got caught in the crossfire, suddenly paying more for everything from vintage toys and rare comic books to imported art and even niche electronic parts.
Importers didn’t just take this lying down. They filed lawsuits, and the whole mess ended up in court. After a lot of legal wrangling and administrative reviews, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) started weighing in on these fights, siding with importers in many cases. Because of these successful legal challenges and some granted exclusions, the government had to walk back some of the tariffs. That’s why U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now cutting checks to refund the money it collected on those specific items, and this affects a massive range of goods that the collecting community imports all the time.
What This Means for Your Wallet
The bottom line is simple: you could be getting cash back. If you paid those Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports between 2018 and 2021, you’re now in line for a refund. CBP reports show billions have already been paid out, with more coming. Think about it, if you paid a 25% tariff on a rare vintage action figure you imported for $1,000, that’s $250 coming right back to you. That adds up fast, especially if you were bringing in several big-ticket items or even just a steady stream of lower-value collectibles.
Don’t expect a check to just show up in the mail, though. Getting this money requires you to have your ducks in a row, whether you’re an individual or a small shop. You’ll need proof you paid the tariffs, your import entry numbers, and clear descriptions of what you bought. A lot of collectors use customs brokers, and while they can handle the refund claim for you, you can’t just sit back and wait. You have to be proactive, follow up, and give them whatever they ask for. Trust me, I’ve seen people lose out on refunds simply because their paperwork was a disaster, proving that keeping good records is about more than just having them for insurance.
How to Claim Your Refund
If you think you’re owed a refund, you need to start moving. While CBP is still processing claims, there are deadlines and rules you have to follow. Your first move is to hunt down every import entry from that 2018-2021 period where you paid a Section 301 tariff. This means digging through your files for commercial invoices, packing lists, and especially the U.S. Customs entry summary which is CBP Form 7501. If you used a customs broker, they’re your first call, they should have all this on file and can start the claim for you.
Be prepared to wait, because this isn’t a quick process. It can easily take several months from when you file a claim to when you actually see the money. You’ll need some patience, and you absolutely have to follow up persistently. It’s also smart to keep an eye on tariff policies and exclusion lists going forward. Getting this refund is great, but learning from the experience to avoid overpaying on future imports makes you a sharper, more financially sound collector in the long run.
These IEEPA-driven refunds give you a real chance to get back a chunk of the money you spent on your collection between 2018 and 2021. By digging into your import records and working with your customs pro, you can get back funds that belong to you and make your hobby that much more financially sustainable. We’re seeing a similar effect in other communities, too, where indie artists are finding these refunds help build goodwill with their fans.
Why is a law called IEEPA causing these refunds?
IEEPA is the law that gave the U.S. President the power to put the Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods in the first place. When those tariffs were challenged in court and reviewed, the same legal framework made it possible for refunds to be issued on the ones that were overturned or excluded.
What’s the date range for eligible imports?
You’re looking for imports from China that you paid Section 301 tariffs on anytime between 2018 and 2021.
What paperwork do I need to find?
Get your commercial invoices, proof that you paid the tariff, and the U.S. Customs entry summary (that’s the CBP Form 7501). Having good descriptions of the items helps, too.
My customs broker handled my import. What do I do?
Yes, you can still claim it. In fact, your customs broker is the person you need to talk to. Since they filed the original paperwork, they are the best one to start the refund claim for you, so give them a call.
Am I running out of time to file a claim?
There are definitely deadlines, and they can vary based on the specific legal ruling or exclusion that applies to your goods. Don’t wait. Your best bet is to talk to a customs expert or your broker right away to figure out the exact timeframe you’re working with.
