Industry News
CBP Fact Sheet: February 2026 Lapse in Appropriations
February 16, 2026
On February 14, 2026, the United States Department of Homeland Security entered a partial shutdown after the Senate failed on to secure the 60 votes required to pass its funding bill before the February 13 11:59 p.m. expiration of the continuing resolution. Democrats are withholding support unless new limits are placed on immigration enforcement following a fatal January shooting in Minneapolis, while Republicans have agreed only to measures such as body cameras and rejected broader warrant requirements. Although some DHS agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), face disruption with certain employees working without pay or furloughed, trade and border operations under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continue largely without interruption. Below are frequently asked questions and answers regarding the impacts of the lapse in DHS appropriations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How will CBP be affected if there is a lapse in appropriations?
At 11:59 p.m. on February 13, 2026, the current continuing resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security will expire. Typically, during a lapse in appropriations, agencies cease all activities funded by annual appropriations that are not excepted by law, and all personnel assigned non-excepted functions are furloughed.
In this instance, most CBP employees have been designated as “excepted,” and CBP’s trade operations will continue as normal. While trade operations will not be affected, certain trade-related activities may cease or be limited during a lapse in appropriations, including but not limited to: external engagements, web updates, and employee travel.
2. Will a lapse in appropriations affect the importation of goods into the United States?
No. CBP personnel will continue to process imports and exports at all CBP ports of entry.
3. Which CBP functions will continue as “excepted” activities during a lapse in appropriations?
Because most CBP employees have been designated as “excepted,” all Customs operations will continue as usual during a lapse in appropriations. This includes cargo exams and release, in-bond processes, liquidation, protests, drawback claims, etc.
4. How will staffing levels at ports of entry be affected?
All ports of entry are staffed and will operate as normal. There will be no reduction in staffing levels involved with trade operations, and nearly all CBP staff will continue working. This includes supply chain security specialists, import specialists, Centers of Excellence staff, national account managers, Office of Trade employees (including trade remedies inbox staff), customs attorneys, and fines, penalties, and forfeitures staff.
5. Will the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) remain operational?
Yes. ACE and supporting trade processing systems will remain operational during a lapse in appropriations.
6. Will CBP continue to implement tariff updates? How will they be communicated?
CBP will continue to implement tariff updates and issue CSMS messages.
7. What if I have a problem and need to contact CBP during the lapse in appropriations?
For issues related to cargo processing, please contact the relevant port of entry.