The U.S. Court of International Trade has certified a class-action lawsuit that could help importers recover approximately $30 billion in tariffs imposed under the Trump administration’s International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff program.
The October 8 decision by Judge Richard Eaton covers importers that paid the tariffs between February 1, 2025, and February 19, 2026, but have not already filed individual lawsuits seeking refunds. The move is intended to provide a path to relief for businesses that may have been unable to navigate the refund process or whose claims have not been accepted through U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s online refund system.
The ruling follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision earlier this year striking down the IEEPA tariffs. Although Customs has already processed substantial refunds, some claims remain unresolved, including duties on entries that have been finalized through the agency’s liquidation process.
Importers of seafood and related products that paid these tariffs may benefit from the expanded legal pathway. However, class-action certification does not guarantee an immediate refund, and disputes over eligibility and the government’s refund procedures remain ongoing. Businesses that imported affected products should review their tariff payment records and consult their customs broker or trade counsel about potential recovery options.