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US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched a new system for importers to request tariff refunds.
The online portal, called the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE), debuted on April 20. It allows importers to upload claims for duties paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) said last week.
The new system, which the US Court of International Trade oversees, is designed to streamline and consolidate tariff refunds, including applicable interest so importers do not have to submit claims on an entry-by-entry basis. The first phase of the program applies to unliquidated entries and certain others within 80 days of liquidation, AGTA explained.
CBP believes it will issue refunds for valid claims approximately 60 to 90 days after review and acceptance.
The move is a win for the industry, which has seen increasing challenges since US President Donald Trump first announced reciprocal tariffs in April 2025, before pausing and then reinstating them. Over the past year, the administration has imposed and raised levies, before engaging in discussions and reaching deals with certain countries to lower tariffs. In May 2025, a federal court deemed the majority of duties unlawful. After several appeals, the US Supreme Court ruled in February 2026 that Trump had exceeded his authority under the IEEPA, vetoing the tariffs. The court ordered CBP to refund all unlawful levies paid.
While the CBP has initiated the first phase, questions and issues around the full implementation remain.
“The broader policy discussion surrounding refunds continues to evolve,” said AGTA. “Congressional proposals have been introduced to prioritize refunds for small businesses, additional requirements have been suggested regarding refunds being passed through to consumers, and President Trump has publicly criticized the refund process.”
Image: A man making a payment. (Shutterstock)
