The United States government has announced the launch of a new online portal that will allow businesses to apply for tariff refunds, following a major court ruling that declared certain import duties незаконally imposed.
The portal, named CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries), will officially open for applications on April 20, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Background: Supreme Court Ruling
The move comes after a ruling by the US Supreme Court, which found that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were not legally justified.
The decision effectively struck down duties on imports from key trading partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico. However, tariffs imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974—primarily targeting China—remain in place and are not eligible for refunds.
Who Can Apply for Refunds?
Eligible applicants include businesses that paid tariffs under IEEPA, as well as customs brokers involved in processing those transactions.
Experts estimate that total refunds could reach up to $175 billion, making this one of the largest reimbursement processes in US trade history.
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How to Apply Through CAPE
Businesses will need to submit their claims through the existing ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) system, which integrates with the new CAPE portal.
The process includes:
- Logging into the ACE portal and accessing CAPE
- Identifying eligible import entries
- Submitting refund claims through the system
- Providing all required documentation to support the request
Authorities have clarified that refunds will not be issued automatically, meaning all eligible entities must apply to receive compensation.
Processing Timeline
According to CBP, verified claims are expected to be processed within 60 to 90 days. However, given the scale of potential applications, timelines may vary depending on the volume of submissions.
Economic Impact
The launch of CAPE is expected to provide significant financial relief to businesses affected by the tariffs, particularly those engaged in international trade.
At the same time, the development marks a notable shift in US trade policy, highlighting the legal limits of executive authority in imposing tariffs under emergency powers.
As the April 20 launch date approaches, businesses are being advised to prepare documentation and review eligibility criteria to ensure timely submission of claims.
