Introduction of CAPE System for IEEPA Duty Refunds - April 20, 2026 Deployment
CBP will launch the CAPE tool in the ACE Portal to simplify IEEPA duty refund requests. The system will consolidate refunds instead of processing them on an entry-by-entry basis, streamlining the process for importers and customs brokers.
What changes
A new electronic system (CAPE) is being introduced to process IEEPA duty refunds on a consolidated basis, eliminating the need for entry-by-entry refund requests. Importers can submit CAPE Declarations through the ACE Portal.
Who is impacted
Importers of Record (IORs) and authorized customs brokers who have paid IEEPA duties and are eligible for refunds pursuant to court orders and appropriate statutory authority.
Recommended actions
- ›Verify you have an active ACE Secure Data Portal account
- ›Register bank account information for ACH refunds in your ACE Portal account
- ›Prepare to file CAPE Declarations once the system goes live on April 20, 2026
- ›Review the CAPE Refund Quick Reference Guide and CAPE Information Notice
- ›Contact [email protected] for technical questions
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will launch the first phase of the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) tool on April 20, 2026, within the Automated Commercial Environment Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal). This new tool is designed to significantly simplify the process of requesting refunds for duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The CAPE system will consolidate IEEPA duty refunds, including interest, rather than processing refunds on an entry-by-entry basis. This consolidation will be organized by Importer of Record (IOR) or the party designated via CBP Form 4811, grouping refunds by liquidation date. CAPE Phase 1 is limited to certain unliquidated entries and entries within 80 days of liquidation.
The CAPE process begins when the IOR or authorized customs broker files a CAPE Declaration in the ACE Portal. Once accepted, CBP will remove the IEEPA Harmonized Tariff Schedule number and recalculate duties due without IEEPA, updating the entry to a new version. CBP will then review the updated version and liquidate or reliquidate the entry accordingly.
CBP plans to implement CAPE through a phased development approach, adding more functionality in subsequent phases for more complicated scenarios. Importers and brokers planning to file CAPE Declarations are encouraged to prepare by ensuring they have an ACE Portal account and that their bank account information for refunds has been added to their account. CBP will continue issuing messaging via CSMS to keep the trade community informed as new enhancements are deployed.