Overview
- CBP’s CAPE tool, which went live Monday inside the ACE system, began accepting consolidated refund claims for unliquidated entries and those liquidated within roughly 80 days.
- About 330,000 importers paid an estimated $166 billion under the struck‑down IEEPA tariffs, yet only around 56,500 had enrolled for electronic refunds, making roughly $127 billion eligible in Phase 1.
- CBP says approved claims should pay out in 60 to 90 days via ACH, though heavy volume, data errors, and required reviews could slow timelines, with about $2.9 billion flagged for manual handling.
- Only the Importer of Record or an authorized customs broker can file, an ACE account and ACH details are required, and refunds go to importers rather than consumers, though firms like FedEx say they will return funds to customers once received.
- The Court of International Trade ordered refunds and is tracking the rollout, additional phases will expand eligibility, and ongoing lawsuits such as Costco’s case could influence timing and outcomes.