$166 Billion Up for Grabs: CBP Launches CAPE Portal on April 20 as U.S. Importers Navigate Tariff Refund Maze

After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ IEEPA tariffs earlier in 2026, approximately 330,000 importers are now eligible for refunds on duties paid — a total estimated at $166 billion. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched its Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) portal on April 20, 2026, the first of a four-step refund process.

As of April 9, about 56,497 importers had completed steps to receive electronic refunds, representing roughly $127 billion in duties, according to CBP’s filing before the Court of International Trade. The agency said the initial phase will cover approximately 63% of total refunds, focused on certain unliquidated entries and those within 80 days of liquidation. CBP estimates refunds will take 60 to 90 days from entry acceptance to delivery — up from an earlier estimate of up to 45 days — and the timeline could extend further if compliance concerns arise.

Despite the portal launch, significant uncertainty remains. Experts warn that importers who passed tariff costs onto downstream customers may face legal disputes over who is entitled to the refund, since the refund will go to the importer of record. More than 3,000 cases related to tariffs, duties and fees have been filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade since November 5, 2025. Some importers are reportedly reluctant to claim refunds for political or commercial reasons, including concern over possible retribution from the Trump administration.

Every importer seeking a refund must register to receive returns through CBP’s electronic payment system — paper-based refunds are no longer available. Senator Ed Markey and other Democrats have criticized the opt-in design, arguing refunds should be automatic rather than requiring businesses to apply. For supply chain managers, the CAPE process adds yet another layer of administrative complexity to an already volatile trade environment.