What is an ACH account?

An ACH account with US Customs refers to participation in the Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) system, which is an electronic payment method used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for collecting duties, taxes, and fees related to imports.

When an importer sets up an ACH account with CBP, it allows them to pay customs charges directly from their bank account electronically, rather than using checks or cash, or paying through their broker. ACH payments streamline the payment process, making it faster and more efficient for both the payer and customs authorities.

To set up an ACH account with US Customs: 

First, you will need to fill out an ACH account application. Your Shippabo account manager can provide this to you, or you can access it directly from the CBP Website via the link here.

It typically takes 7-10 business days to process the application. 

Once your application is approved, you will be assigned a PUN (Payer Unit Number), which is a unique, 6-digit identifying number assigned by CBP to a business or individual who registers for the ACH payment program. This number links your ACH payment activities to your account with CBP. The PUN will only be sent to the email address used to submit your application, so once you receive it, please make sure to share it with the Shippabo team. 

It's possible to pair your ACH account with PMS (Periodic Monthly Statements). To learn more about PMS, please refer to our Knowledge Base Article on PMS.