The notorious photo from April 2 when Trump unveiled his illegal tariffs
The US government is set to launch a new online portal that will let businesses request refunds for Trump’s tariffs which were ruled illegal by the Supreme Court.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) opened the portal, which is known as Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE), for refund applications on Monday April 20.
Businesses could be owed up to $175 billion after the Supreme Court squashed Trump’s tariff ambitions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA.
What is the CAPE portal?
The CAPE portal, short for Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries, is a new online system launched by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It allows businesses to submit claims for refunds on certain tariffs that were ruled illegal by the Supreme Court of the United States.
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The portal is designed to provide an electronic pathway for companies to request refunds of duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), following court orders and applicable legal authority.
Who is eligible to apply for tariff refunds through the CAPE portal?
Two main groups are eligible to apply:
Businesses that directly paid IEEPA tariffsCustoms brokers who paid those duties on behalf of businesses
However, only the “importer of record” is entitled to receive the refund. This means that consumers, even if they ultimately bore the cost through higher prices, cannot apply for refunds.
Are the tariff refunds automatic?
No, tariff refunds are not automatic. Businesses must actively apply through the CAPE portal.
The responsibility is on importers to submit claims and ensure all required documentation is accurate. Even though CBP already has much of the relevant payment information, companies still need to opt in and wait for their claims to be reviewed and approved.
Which tariffs are eligible for refunds through the CAPE portal?
Only tariffs imposed under IEEPA are eligible for refunds, and even then, not all such tariffs qualify immediately.
In the initial rollout, CAPE accepts claims for:
“Unliquidated” tariffs (estimated duties that can still be adjusted)Tariffs finalized by CBP within the past 80 days
These categories represent a significant portion of total IEEPA duties, but exclude:
Older, already finalized (“liquidated”) entriesTariffs currently under protest
As a result, some businesses may face uncertainty about whether all their payments qualify.
How long will it take to receive a refund after applying through the CAPE portal?
According to CBP, refunds for approved claims are expected within 60 to 90 days after approval.
However, delays are possible if:
Applications contain errors or missing informationDocumentation needs correctionThere are processing backlogs or system issues
While some refunds could arrive within a few months, others, especially those outside the initial eligibility window, may take significantly longer.