US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will open its new Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) tool on April 20, allowing businesses to request tariff refunds.

This initiative addresses a Supreme Court decision that invalidated duties previously set under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. With roughly US$170 billion plus interest owed to 330,000 importers, this represents a historic government payout.

The rollout begins with Phase 1, specifically restricted to certain unliquidated entries and those within 80 days of liquidation. To qualify for digital payments, importers of record must use the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system and register their banking information.

CBP intends to expand the tool's capabilities in later stages to manage the millions of complex claims linked to the overturned trade policies.