By Sam Barron | Thursday, 16 April 2026 5:47 PM EDT
Businesses affected by Trump administration tariffs can now apply for refunds through a new online portal launched by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) system is designed to simplify the process of filing for refunds under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The portal will become operational on Monday, April 20.
A Supreme Court ruling in February found that the tariffs were unlawfully imposed under the IEEPA. CBP states that CAPE will provide an electronic pathway for businesses to submit valid refund claims.
As of April 9, over 56,000 U.S. importers have registered for refunds through the new system. The initial deployment of CAPE is expected to cover up to 82% of IEEPA duty payments, which total approximately $127 billion.
The Main Street Alliance described the portal launch as “progress” but emphasized it falls short of “justice,” noting that small business owners should not have had to navigate complex processes to recover funds they never rightfully paid.
Richard Trent, executive director of the Main Street Alliance, stated: “Small business owners should not have had to jump through hoops to get back money they never should have had to pay. We need a refund process that is simple, accessible, and fast.”
Eligible businesses include those that directly paid IEEPA tariffs or customs brokers acting on behalf of importers. However, consumers who faced higher prices due to the tariffs are not eligible for refunds.
Lizbeth Levinson, co-chair of the international trade practice group at Fox Rothschild, noted that tariff refunds are not automatic: “You have to jump through hoops, even though customs should have taken it upon themselves to do automatic refunds. They have all the information and know who paid IEEPA duties.”
The CBP indicates that refunds will be processed within 60 to 90 days after approval. Some trade attorneys express concern about the system’s efficiency.
Adam Hanover, managing director of restructuring and dispute resolution at CohnReznick Advisory, warned: “April 20 is when things are going to start to hit the fan. I am still not sold that the system is going to work.”
Sam Barron has covered a wide range of topics including politics, crime, and business for nearly two decades.
