Potential IEEPA Duty Refunds

Potential IEEPA Duty Refunds

Mar 16, 2026

March 16, 2026


From: ARI Shipping Corporation


To: Our Valued Customers


U.S. importers who paid duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) can begin preparing for the potential refund process currently being developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).


According to Customs, CBP is developing new functionality within the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) called Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE), which will allow importers and customs brokers to submit refund claims electronically.


According to an update filed with the U.S. Court of International Trade, CBP reported that it is making progress toward developing the system and will provide another update to the court by March 19.

Initial Scope of Processing


CBP has indicated that the first phase of CAPE is expected to process most formal and informal entries where IEEPA duties were paid.


However, the initial phase is not expected to include:


  • Entries subject to antidumping or countervailing duties
  • Entries with ACE status listed as suspended, extended, or under review
  • Certain entry types such as warehouse withdrawals, drawback-related entries, and other complex scenarios


Additional functionality may be introduced in later phases to address these situations.

Electronic Refund Payments


CBP has indicated that refunds will be issued electronically and sent directly to the Importer of Record’s designated bank account. Paper checks are not expected to be issued.


Importers intending to pursue refunds should ensure their bank account information is properly linked within ACE.

ACE Account Setup


Create an ACE Portal Account:


  1. Visit: https://ace-accounts.cbp.gov/s/importer-form
  2. Enter: Company Name, Importer Record Number, Business Email Address
  3. Retrieve the security code sent to your email (valid for 10 minutes).
  4. Enter the code and complete your company details, including organizational structure, address, and phone number.
  5. Accept the terms and submit.


You will receive a confirmation email with login instructions.

Set Up ACH for Refunds


After logging into ACE:


  1. Select “Importer” from the Accounts menu
  2. Click your company account
  3. Select “ACH Refund Authorization”
  4. Click “Get Info / Refresh”


If no bank information appears:


  1. Click “Add ACH Info”
  2. Enter: Account type, Routing number, Bank account number
  3. Submit and confirm that the information appears correctly.

Important Notice


Importers are responsible for monitoring their entries for prior shipments that may be eligible for refunds, including verifying liquidation status and applicable protest deadlines, and ensuring that any required claims or protests are submitted within the applicable timeframes to preserve available administrative remedies.


This notice is provided for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information as of the date listed above.


Government procedures, eligibility requirements, and timelines related to any potential refund program remain subject to change at any time.


ARI Shipping Corp and/or Northeastern Customs Brokerage Co., Inc. assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information contained in this notice, which is subject to change at any moment, and without warning.

Optional Assistance


For customers who would prefer assistance navigating this process, ARI Shipping Corp. can provide support with reviewing prior entries, organizing the necessary documentation, and preparing refund submissions through the appropriate channels.


Our goal is to help ensure filings are submitted accurately and efficiently, which may help streamline the process and reduce potential delays. Customers interested in this assistance are welcome to contact us directly for additional details and pricing.


Thank you.


*Above is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. It is based on current available information which is subject to change at any time. ARI Shipping Corporation will not be held liable for any inaccuracies or lack of information.