CAPE filing checklist
Six steps, written for owner-operators. Print it out if it helps.
- 1
Confirm you have an ACE Secure Data Portal account
Filings go through the same ace.cbp.dhs.gov portal many importers already use. If you've ever seen an entry summary, your broker has probably set this up. If not, request an Importer Account with CBP — this can take days, so start now.
- 2
Gather your entry numbers
An entry number is exactly 11 alphanumeric characters. You'll find them on CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary) near the top-right ("Entry No."). Your customs broker has every one of these — email them and ask for a list of entries filed during the IEEPA period.
- 3
Screen for eligibility
Not every entry you filed is eligible. CAPE Phase I covers duties paid under IEEPA-based tariff actions the Supreme Court struck down. Section 301, Section 232, and ordinary MFN duties are not refundable here.
- 4
Clean your list and export a CSV
Use the CAPE Filing Helper tool to normalize, deduplicate, and chunk your entries into 9,999-per-file CBP-ready CSVs. The CSV needs exactly one column ("Entry Number") with one entry per row, no extra data.
- 5
Upload in ACE under 'CAPE Declarations'
Sign in, find the CAPE Declaration section, upload your CSV. You'll get a confirmation with a declaration ID. Save it — you'll need it for status checks.
The portal has had high-volume errors at launch ("Duplicate tax ID", timeouts). If it fails, try off-hours (early morning EST) and keep screenshots of errors.
- 6
Log the batch and wait 60–90 days
CBP says valid claims are paid 60–90 days after acceptance (not submission). Save each declaration in the Tracker so you can see your refund window at a glance.