Overview
- CBP told the trade court that refunds under the new CAPE process (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries) will be paid only after liquidation, with up to 45 days of processing once a claim is accepted, and a limited launch later in April remains the plan.
- The first phase will cover unliquidated entries and those still within the 90-day reliquidation window, capturing roughly 60% to 65% of affected filings, with finally liquidated entries to be added in later phases.
- CAPE runs inside CBP’s ACE trade system and will pay by ACH only, and nearly 27,000 importers have enrolled for digital refunds representing about 78% of entries and roughly $120 billion in duties.
- Recent filings show the claim portal is about 85% built while bulk processing sits near 60%, and the Court of International Trade said progress is satisfactory and directed a phased rollout with continuing status reports.
- Under current law refunds go to the importer of record rather than consumers, and small businesses expect relief even as experts warn the process will be complex and slow.