Business Owners Face Login Hurdles with New Tariff Refund Portal

April 26, 2026 - 01:43

Small business owners across the United States are encountering significant difficulties accessing the newly launched tariff refund portal, delaying their ability to file claims for duties paid on imported goods. The portal, designed to streamline the process for businesses seeking reimbursement under recent trade policy adjustments, has been plagued by technical glitches and authentication failures since its rollout.

Beth Benike, CEO of the Minnesota-based company Busy Baby, expressed her frustration, stating, “I still can’t log in, so I can’t file for my claim yet.” Her experience mirrors that of countless other entrepreneurs who rely on imported materials and products to sustain their operations. Many report receiving error messages, encountering endless loading screens, or being locked out after multiple failed login attempts.

The portal’s issues come at a critical time for small businesses already grappling with supply chain disruptions and rising operational costs. For companies like Busy Baby, which manufactures baby products using imported components, the inability to access refunds directly impacts cash flow and competitiveness. Industry advocates warn that prolonged delays could force some businesses to absorb unnecessary costs or pass them on to consumers.

Government officials have acknowledged the problems and stated that technical teams are working to resolve the login issues. However, no specific timeline has been provided for when full functionality will be restored. In the meantime, business owners are left waiting, unable to proceed with their claims and uncertain about how long the delays will persist. The situation underscores the broader challenges of implementing digital systems that must accommodate a diverse range of users and technical environments.