FedEx Files Claims Through New CAPE Portal to Access $166B Tariff Refund Pool
FedEx has filed IEEPA tariff refund claims through CBP's new CAPE portal, which launched April 20, to recover duties on its shipments and will pass refunds to customers once received within 60–90 days. The Supreme Court ruling overturning the IEEPA tariff regime opens a $166 billion refund pool for importers.
1. CAPE Portal Launch
On April 20, U.S. Customs and Border Protection activated the CAPE portal through the ACE Secure Data Portal, enabling importers and authorized brokers to file for IEEPA tariff refunds on unliquidated entries and those liquidated within the previous 80 days. Future phases will expand to cover reconciled and protested entries.
2. FedEx Refund Claims Process
FedEx, acting as importer of record where applicable, has submitted IEEPA refund requests on behalf of shippers and consumers, handling all documentation requirements with CBP. No direct action is required from customers to initiate the claims process.
3. Refund Timeline and Distribution
Valid refund claims accepted through CAPE are expected to be processed within 60 to 90 days, after which FedEx will remit recovered duties to the original payers. Extended reviews or suspended entries may lengthen the timeline.
4. Impact of Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court decision struck down emergency tariff authority under IEEPA, unlocking a $166 billion pool of duties for eligible importers. Refunds are limited to tariffs collected under IEEPA and exclude levies under Section 232 or Section 301.