CBP Launches $166B Tariff Refund Portal After Supreme Court Ruling
After the Supreme Court struck down IEEPA-based tariffs, CBP launched the CAPE portal letting over 330,000 importers reclaim $166B in duties, with refunds expected within 60-90 days.
What this affects
The update
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in February 2026 that IEEPA-based tariffs exceeded presidential authority. CBP has since launched the CAPE portal, allowing over 330,000 importers to reclaim $166B in duties paid. Refunds are expected within 60-90 days of submission. Importers should act promptly, file through CBP's ACE portal and consult your customs broker to confirm eligibility and documentation requirements.
Impact
This decision creates a significant cash-flow opportunity for importers who paid invalidated tariffs. However, strict deadlines apply for filing claims. Importers must act quickly to preserve refund eligibility before the statute of limitations expires.
What to watch
Filing windows are strict and documentation requirements are extensive. Consult customs counsel to confirm eligibility before assuming a claim exists.
How to prepare
- 1Confirm eligibility per entry
Eligibility depends on the duty type paid and the liquidation status of each entry.
- 2Assemble the documentation before filing
Entry summaries, invoices, and duty-paid detail by type. Requirements are extensive and claims fail on paperwork more than on merit.
- 3File promptly
Strict statutory deadlines apply and they run from liquidation, not from the ruling.
- 4Confirm your ACH details in ACE
Refunds are issued electronically, so stale banking details delay payment.