Have You Filed Your CAPE Declaration Yet? OR Are Your IEEPA Refunds on their Way?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched the CAPE Claims Portal 60 days ago, creating the first pathway for importers to recover IEEPA tariffs. Since then, thousands of importers have already begun receiving refunds. In its most recent update, CBP reported that accepted CAPE submissions now represent approximately $95 billion in requested refunds, with almost $24 billion already approved for disbursement.

Most entries impacted by IEEPA tariffs remain unliquidated and eligible for CAPE Phase 1. However, as time passes, more entries are reaching final liquidation status and losing Phase 1 eligibility. Importers that delay filing CAPE declarations may find that these entries must instead wait for relief through CAPE Phase 3 or a future refund process.

It is imperative that importers take action in key areas right away:

1. Gain access to your ACE account
2. Enroll in ACH refund
3. Analyze your entry data to:
   • Identify which entries are eligible for refund submission in CAPE Phase 1
   • Identify which entries are finally liquidated
   • Determine total refund potential
   • Build a list of entries which need to be submitted in Phase 2 and Phase 3
   • Build a list of entries which require corrective action
   • Build a list of entries which do not meet criteria for any currently announced CAPE Phase
4. Use data from #3 to identify which are the appropriate decisions (actions?) for your business
   • File a Phase 1 CAPE Declaration
   • File a lawsuit in the Court of International Trade (CIT)
   • File Protective Protests

If you haven’t completed steps 1-4 listed above, you are leaving money on the table.

Get in touch with your Laufer representative as soon as possible. We can review what actions you should take to get caught up and trigger available refunds for reimbursement.

The Laufer Group team will continue to monitor these changes and provide updates on any significant developments.

Please contact your local customer service or sales representative for additional information and service options and continue to visit laufer.com for more market Insights.