What importers need to know about accessing tariff refunds

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has begun refunding importers who have paid now-illegal tariffs. On April 20, CBP launched Phase 1 of the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) function, a tool within the Automated Commercial Environment Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal). This is intended to streamline the processing of refunds, in lieu of a lengthier, entry-by-entry process. Phase 1 covers unliquidated entries and entries up to 80 days after their liquidation date.

Importers and authorized customs brokers may now begin using the CAPE tool, once they have completed the following steps:

• Established an ACE Portal account
• Provided bank account information
• Submitted a CAPE Declaration

CBP states that importers and authorized brokers should anticipate valid refunds to be issued within 60-90 days following acceptance of the CAPE Declaration. We encourage importers to monitor updates and communications from CBP regarding technical issues and future refund phases as the program continues its rollout.

See further details regarding tariff refunds at the CBP website: International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) Duty Refunds | U.S. Customs and Border Protection