WASHINGTON — The U.S. government will launch a new online portal on Monday allowing importers to request refunds for tariffs the Supreme Court declared unlawful in February, as companies prepare claims totaling up to $166 billion, officials said this week.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed in a court filing Tuesday that the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries, or CAPE, system will open at 8 a.m. Eastern time on April 20. The portal provides an electronic pathway for businesses to submit claims for tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a law the Supreme Court ruled does not authorize the president to impose sweeping duties.
The refunds are not automatic. Importers must log into CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment Secure Data Portal and upload a CAPE Declaration listing eligible entry numbers. The agency said it will consolidate refunds into a single electronic payment, including interest when applicable.
As of April 9, more than 56,000 importers had completed the steps necessary to receive electronic refunds, covering about $127 billion of the total eligible — roughly 82% of IEEPA duty payments. CBP estimates it will take 60 to 90 days from approval to process valid claims.
“You have to be worried about what they could possibly do to jam things up,” said Jay Foreman, CEO of toymaker Basic Fun, which sells Tonka trucks and Care Bears, adding that his company is seeking about $7 million in refunds. “It’s not like Taylor Swift tickets going on sale,” he said, expressing concern about potential system crashes as thousands of companies file simultaneously.
Some importers reported difficulties registering. Jason Cheung, CEO of Huntar Co., a U.S.-based toymaker, said it took him five attempts to complete registration due to minor discrepancies in company name formats.
Only importers of record and licensed customs brokers who paid the duties are eligible. Consumers who paid higher prices for imported goods cannot file claims. Phase 1 excludes certain entry types, including those flagged for reconciliation or drawback claims.
CBP has until early May to appeal the Court of International Trade’s order requiring creation of the refund portal, according to court documents. The agency plans additional phases to expand eligibility and handle more complex refund scenarios.
