In a Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) bulletin published on April 10, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the launch of the first phase of Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).

CAPE is the system being developed by CBP to consolidate the refund process for International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) instead of processing refunds on an entry-by-entry basis.

This system will be released in phases, with future releases being able to handle more complicated refunds. The first phase of CAPE will release on April 20, 2026, and will be limited to “certain unliquidated entries and certain entries within 80 days of liquidation.”

In order to file for a refund in CAPE importers of record (IOR)and their customs brokers will need to have established ACE accounts, provide CBP with electronic bank account information for electronic refunds, and that IORs and customs brokers submit declarations in CAPE to be reviewed for a refund.

CBP also provided links to several training guides including multiple on how to enroll in electronic ACH ACE refunds and a quick reference guide on CAPE.

CSMS # 68315804 and the training materials can be found here:
https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDHSCBP-4126a9c?wgt_ref=USDHSCBP_WIDGET_2