The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has officially launched the Customs Automated Processing Engine (CAPE) portal, providing importers of record with a streamlined path to claim refunds on tariffs collected under the now-invalidated IEEPA provisions.

The CAPE system works by allowing importers or their licensed customs brokers to upload CSV files containing entry summary data. The system then automatically removes the IEEPA-specific tariff codes, recalculates total duties owed, and schedules entries for reliquidation.

Key steps for filing:

  1. Register for ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) portal access if not already enrolled
  2. Set up ACH banking information for electronic refund receipt
  3. Compile entry summary data identifying all IEEPA-affected imports
  4. Submit a CAPE Declaration via the web-based portal
  5. Monitor refund status through the ACE dashboard

Interest at the current rate of 6% for corporations will be applied to refund amounts. CBP estimates processing will take approximately 45 days from submission.