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The federal government will launch a new online portal next week allowing businesses to seek refunds for tariffs ruled illegal by the U.S. Supreme Court, potentially opening the door to as much as $175 billion in repayments — though companies may face a complicated and lengthy process to recover their money.
The portal, operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, will begin accepting claims April 20. Known as CAPE, or the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries system, it is designed to provide an electronic pathway for importers to request refunds tied to tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The rollout follows a landmark February decision in which the Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump had improperly used emergency powers to impose certain tariffs. Since then, thousands of businesses have filed claims in the Court of International Trade seeking reimbursement.
While the new system is intended to streamline the process, legal experts say it places the burden squarely on businesses to pursue refunds.
Under current guidelines, only importers of record — or customs brokers acting on their behalf — are eligible to apply. Consumers who ultimately paid higher prices due to tariffs are not eligible for refunds.
The scope of eligible claims is also limited. Initially, CAPE will accept requests for “unliquidated” tariffs — duties that remain open to adjustment — and those finalized within the past 80 days. That covers an estimated 63% to 82% of affected tariffs, leaving a significant portion potentially unresolved for months or even years.
Officials say valid claims could be processed within 60 to 90 days, though errors in documentation could delay payments further. Trade experts warn that even minor mistakes, such as incorrect tariff classifications, could slow approvals.
Beyond administrative complexity, some experts have raised concerns about the system’s readiness. “I am still not sold that the system is going to work,” said Adam Hanover of CohnReznick Advisory, pointing to the scale of anticipated claims once the portal opens.
The financial stakes are high. As of early April, more than 56,000 importers had already registered for potential refunds, with tens of billions of dollars in claims expected in the initial rollout.
For some businesses, the process may not be worth the wait. Financial firms and logistics companies have begun offering to purchase tariff refund claims outright, providing immediate cash to importers in exchange for taking on the risk and administrative burden of securing repayment from the government.
Rick Woldenberg, CEO of Learning Resources, whose company’s lawsuit helped lead to the Supreme Court ruling, said he plans to file immediately once the portal opens — though he questioned why refunds are not automatic.
“Most people have the experience of getting a check when they overpay taxes,” Woldenberg said. “You don’t have to opt in or ask for it back.”
The launch of the CAPE system marks a significant step in unwinding one of the Trump administration’s most aggressive trade policies. But as businesses begin filing claims, the effectiveness of the refund process — and how quickly companies see their money — remains uncertain.
