Overview
- CBP, which launched the CAPE online system Monday, began taking refund claims for entries still open or filed within the last 80 days, with approved payments targeted in 60 to 90 days.
- The agency estimates about $166 billion could be repaid across roughly 330,000 importers, and it must check records tied to about 53 million shipments.
- Court filings show 56,497 importers had registered by April 9 for about $127 billion in claims, and early users reported the portal worked despite minor glitches.
- Only the importer of record can claim a refund, so companies receive the money rather than shoppers, and large retailers are expected to benefit most.
- The Court of International Trade set an April 28 status update, and Trump’s new 10% tariffs imposed February 24 have sparked fresh lawsuits that keep business plans uncertain.