CBP Launches CAPE Tool for IEEPA Duty Refund Requests
Starting April 20, 2026, CBP will implement the CAPE tool in the ACE Portal to process IEEPA duty refund requests. Importers and customs brokers will be able to upload CSV files with entry numbers to request refunds electronically.
What changes
A new electronic system (CAPE) is introduced for requesting IEEPA duty refunds through the ACE Portal, eliminating manual processes and enabling automated processing of up to 9,999 entries per declaration.
Who is impacted
Importers of record (IOR), customs brokers who filed entries on behalf of importers, and parties designated as 'notify' to receive refunds.
Recommended actions
- ›Verify ACE Portal access with Importer, Organizational Broker, or Filer sub-accounts
- ›Enroll in ACH Refunds with U.S. bank account information to receive electronic refunds
- ›Prepare CSV files with eligible entry numbers for IEEPA refunds
- ›Review eligibility criteria for entries (unliquidated or up to 80 days past liquidation)
- ›Consult the Quick Reference Guide (QRG) available on the ACE training webpage
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will launch on April 20, 2026, the first phase of the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) tool in the ACE Secure Data Portal. This new functionality will simplify International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) duty refund requests by providing an electronic pathway to submit valid claims.
The CAPE system will allow importers and customs brokers to file refund requests directly through the ACE Portal by uploading comma-separated values (CSV) files in the new CAPE tab. Each CAPE Declaration can contain up to 9,999 entry numbers, and multiple declarations may be submitted. The system will automatically validate submissions and remove the applicable IEEPA HTS Chapter 99 codes from entry summary lines, recalculating duties owed.
Phase 1 will process entries that are unliquidated or up to 80 days past their liquidation date, as well as entries with suspended, extended, or under review liquidation status. However, excluded are entries flagged for reconciliation, entries on drawback claims, entries covered by open protests, entries subject to AD/CVD duties with pending DOC liquidation instructions, and entries for which liquidation is final.
Refunds will be paid electronically via Automated Clearing House (ACH), and recipients must have U.S. bank account information designated for refunds on file with CBP. ACE Portal users with Importer sub-account access can monitor refund activity using ACE Reports REV-603 (successful refunds) and REV-613 (rejected refunds due to non-enrollment in ACH Refunds).