Recovering IEEPA tariff refunds through CBP's CAPE system involves federal customs law, technical portal requirements, and zero-error filing standards. We manage every step — from entry analysis to refund confirmation — so you can focus on running your business.
From your first call to the refund in your account, here is exactly what we do — and what we ask of you.
We do the analysis. You make the decision.
In a 30-minute call, our team reviews your import history, country of origin data, and entry records to determine your exact refund exposure. We identify every eligible entry, calculate your refund range including accrued interest, and tell you precisely what you stand to recover — before you commit to anything.
Your time: 30-minute call
We handle: Full entry analysis, HTS code review, eligibility determination, refund estimate
We gather what CBP requires. You don't touch a form.
The CBP CAPE system has strict technical requirements — specific file formats, exact entry number standards, separate banking enrollment protocols, and zero tolerance for errors after submission. Our team manages every document, every validation check, and every CBP requirement. Most clients spend fewer than two hours total on paperwork.
Your time: Minimal — we guide you through what we need
We handle: Entry summary reconciliation, ACE portal work, all CBP technical requirements, error prevention
One shot. No amendments. We get it right.
CBP's CAPE system does not allow amendments after a declaration is accepted. An error means a rejected claim and a delayed refund. Our team has deep expertise in the exact submission requirements — we file with precision, monitor acceptance status in real time, and handle any CBP correspondence on your behalf.
Your time: None — we file and monitor everything
We handle: Complete CAPE filing, real-time status monitoring, CBP correspondence, error resolution
CBP processes. We confirm. You collect.
Once CBP processes your claim — typically 60 to 90 days after filing — your refund is deposited directly to your account. We confirm receipt, reconcile the final amount against our projection, and close your case. Our fee is contingency-based: we only get paid when you do.
Your time: Receive your refund
We handle: Refund confirmation, amount reconciliation, final case closure
CBP's CAPE Declaration system is a federal government portal built for licensed customs brokers and experienced trade compliance teams. The technical requirements, legal standards, and zero-amendment policy create significant risk for businesses attempting to file without professional guidance.
CBP does not allow amendments after a CAPE Declaration is accepted. A single formatting error, duplicate entry, or banking enrollment issue can result in rejection — delaying your refund by months.
Refund deposits require a specific ACH enrollment that is entirely separate from standard duty payment accounts. This distinction alone causes the majority of first-time filing failures.
Eligibility depends on precise liquidation status at the time of filing. Entries that fall outside the window require a different legal mechanism entirely. Timing errors are unrecoverable.
Not every import from a tariffed country qualifies. Eligibility is determined at the individual HTS provision level — a line-by-line analysis of your entry summaries that requires customs expertise.
Filing requires active ACE Portal credentials, correct account type, and compliance with CBP's technical upload specifications. The system is designed for licensed customs brokers — not business owners.
Our fee is entirely contingency-based. There are no upfront costs, no retainers, and no hourly billing. We invest our time and expertise in your claim because we are confident in our ability to recover it. If CBP does not issue a refund, you owe us nothing.