CAPE System Launch: What U.S. Importers Need to Know
CBP announces the CAPE system launch date of April 20, 2026. Here's what importers should do now to prepare for IEEPA tariff refund filings.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has confirmed that the CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries) system will launch on April 20, 2026. The April 2026 guidance now makes clear that this is a structured ACE workflow with strict validations, not a general catch-all refund shortcut.
What is CAPE?
CAPE is a new module within the ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) Portal specifically designed to process IEEPA tariff refund declarations. It eliminates the need for paper-based filings and streamlines the refund process.
Who Should Prepare?
Any U.S. importer who paid duties under IEEPA tariffs — specifically HTS Chapter 99 subheadings 9903.01.25 through 9903.01.70 — should begin preparing now.
Steps to Take Now
- Verify your ACE Portal access — The filer must be the importer of record or the broker that filed the entry summary.
- Register ACH refund information — Refunds are electronic-only after February 6, 2026.
- Compile your entry numbers — The CAPE upload is an entry-number-only CSV.
- Check liquidation status — Phase 1 centers on unliquidated and recently liquidated entries.
Phase 1 Coverage
The initial launch covers:
- Unliquidated entries
- Entries liquidated within approximately 80 days of filing
- Certain warehouse or suspended entries may still move, but not on the standard 45-day timeline
Future phases will expand to cover additional entry categories.
For a complete walkthrough, read our Step-by-Step Guide or check your eligibility.