eCommerce Duty Drawbacks: How Online Retailers Can Recover Import Duties
Every margin point counts in eCommerce. Discover how online retailers can get refunds on paid import duties to boost their bottom line.
Evana Team
Duty Drawback Specialists
eCommerce Duty Drawbacks: How Online Retailers Can Recover Import Duties
Many ecommerce merchants unknowingly leave thousands—or hundreds of thousands—on the table by overlooking duty drawbacks.
If you import products and later export or destroy them, you may be eligible for refunds on duties already paid. The challenge is the traditional process, which is complex and misaligned with ecommerce models. Evana built the only comprehensive service designed specifically for online retailers.
How eCommerce Brands Qualify
You likely qualify if:
- 1.You import goods that incur customs duties.
- 2.You export those goods (international customers or distributors).
- 3.You destroy or discard merchandise (returns, damaged goods, manufacturing waste).
- 4.Your imports occurred within the last five years (lookback window).
Evana’s ecommerce focus uncovers recovery potential often missed by general brokers.
The Traditional Process (and Why It's Hard)
Claiming drawbacks typically demands documentation gathering, claim preparation, CBP submissions, compliance management, and cash-flow tracking—effort most ecommerce teams can’t spare. Evana’s technology automates these steps end-to-end.
Common Challenges for Online Retailers
Five obstacles derail most DIY attempts:
- •Documentation complexity: ecommerce records aren’t structured for traditional claims.
- •Resource constraints: no in-house customs expertise.
- •Regulatory knowledge gaps: rules shift frequently.
- •Timeline management: traditional processes take 6–12 months with constant follow-up.
- •Technical barriers: standard procedures don’t fit ecommerce workflows.
Evana solves these via automation and ecommerce-specific expertise.
Case Study: $87K Recovered for a Shopify Merchant
A mid-sized outdoor gear retailer imported $45K in duties annually, exported 12% of orders, and had been told drawbacks weren’t worth it.
After a 15-minute consultation, Evana:
- •Collected limited documentation (<2 hours of effort).
- •Identified eligible transactions across five years.
- •Matched imports to international shipping records automatically.
- •Handled all CBP submissions and follow-ups.
Result: $87K refund in five months, plus $5.4K recovered quarterly going forward.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started
Evana’s process:
- 1.Schedule a free assessment to gauge eligibility.
- 2.Provide basic import and international shipping data for review.
- 3.Receive a custom recovery estimate.
- 4.Sign a contingency-based partnership agreement (no recovery, no fee).
- 5.Let Evana automate claim prep and filing.
- 6.Receive updates and refunds—typically within 3–6 months.
Why Most eCommerce Brands Miss Out
Awareness gaps, misinformation, process intimidation, uncertainty, and opportunity-cost concerns keep 80% of eligible merchants from filing. Evana addresses each barrier through tailored workflows and transparent modeling.
Conclusion: Take Action
In ecommerce, every margin point counts. Duty drawbacks are one of the few levers that put cash straight back into your business.
Evana’s ecommerce-specific platform, expertise, and risk-free pricing make recovery simple. Contact Evana for a free assessment and stop leaving money on the table.
Ready to reclaim more?
Get started with Evana today
Talk through your import duty refund opportunity with our specialists