U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) is preparing to launch a new refund process
Source
American Shipper
Post Date
04/10/2026
U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) is preparing to launch a new refund process for certain IEEPA-related duties through the CAPE portal, expected to go live around April 20, 2026.
Initial rollout will cover a majority of impacted entries, with additional phases to follow. Refunds are expected to be issued electronically, generally within several weeks of approval.
Important: These refunds will not be issued automatically. Importers must take action to secure eligibility.
What You Should Do Now
1. Ensure ACE Portal Access
? If you do not already have an ACE Portal account set up, now is the time
? Confirm the email tied to your CBP importer record (Form 5106) is accurate. This is the email CBP will use to confirm your ACE application
? You will need your company name (must match your 5106), your Importer of Record (IOR) number, and the email of the individual who will be designated as the Trade Account Owner
? The Trade Account Owner is the primary user with full access to your company? ACE Portal. This should be a highly placed individual within your organization. This does not need to be the same email listed on the 5106
? If you are unsure of this process or having trouble, contact us for assistance
2. Set Up ACH for Refunds
? Refunds will be issued electronically through CBP
? You must enter your bank information in the ?CH Refund Authorization?tab within your Importer Sub Account in the ACE Portal
? Only the Trade Account Owner has access to this tab. Other users will not be able to view or manage this section
? This setup is completely separate from any ACH account used for paying duties. The two are not connected
? CBP guidance: ACH refund setup in ACE: ACE PORTAL - ACH BANK INFORMATION FOR ELECTRONIC REFUNDS
3. Non-U.S. Importers
? Follow the same instructions in Step 1 to establish your ACE Portal account
? Once logged in, you will need to add a U.S. bank account under the ACH Refund Authorization tab
? If you do not have a U.S. bank account, you will need to designate a party to receive the funds on your behalf
4. Identify Eligible Entries
? The program applies to qualifying entries made between February 4, 2025 ?February 24, 2026
5. Review Liquidation Status (Important)
? Each customs entry is ?iquidated?by CBP after filing?his is when duties are finalized
? If an entry has already liquidated, you generally have180 days from the liquidation date to file a protest
? A protest is a formal request asking CBP to reconsider the duties assessed on that entry
? Filing a protest within this window may be critical to preserving your right to a refund under this program
? Entries outside of the 180-day window are typically no longer eligible for protest. Refund options for those may dep on future CBP guidance or native processes
