IEEPA Duty Refunds Update: What SiShips Clients Need to Know
The IEEPA duty refund process is now underway, and Sheltered International is actively processing eligible refund submissions on behalf of our clients.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has launched a new refund process through CAPE, the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries system, within the ACE Secure Data Portal. Beginning April 20, 2026, importers and authorized customs brokers can submit Phase 1 refund requests for eligible duties paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, commonly referred to as IEEPA.
For Sheltered International clients, the most important update is simple: we are handling the refund submission process for eligible entries we filed. The only action required from clients is to make sure they have an active ACE Portal account and that their refund banking information is properly set up. You can access your account or create a new account HERE.
What Are IEEPA Duty Refunds?
IEEPA duties were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Following recent court action, CBP created a formal process to review and refund eligible IEEPA-related duties. These refunds are being handled through CAPE, a dedicated process within ACE for IEEPA refund claims.
The refund process is being rolled out in phases. Phase 1 generally focuses on certain unliquidated entries and recently liquidated entries. Some more complex entries may be addressed later depending on their status, including entries tied to protests, reconciliation, drawback, review, suspension, or other special handling.
SiShips Is Processing Eligible Refunds for Clients
As your freight forwarder and customs broker, Sheltered International is reviewing eligible entry data and preparing CAPE refund submissions where applicable. This means our clients do not need to identify every qualifying entry or prepare the CAPE filing themselves for entries handled by Sheltered International.
Our team is managing the customs side of the process, including reviewing entry records, preparing the required CAPE Declaration files, and submitting eligible claims through ACE. This helps ensure the process is handled accurately and efficiently, while reducing the administrative burden on importers.
The Only Action Clients Need to Take
While Sheltered International can process eligible refund submissions, CBP must have valid refund banking information on file in ACE before refunds can be issued.
Clients should log into or create their ACE Secure Data Portal account and enroll in ACH refunds. This is important because refund banking information is separate from any banking information used to pay duties, taxes, and fees. In other words, even if your company already pays duties electronically, you may still need to add or confirm banking details specifically for refunds.
Clients should take the following steps:
- Create or log into your ACE Secure Data Portal account.
- Confirm your importer account is active.
- Add or update ACH refund banking information.
- Make sure the banking information is designated for refunds.
- Notify your Sheltered International representative once this step is complete.
Without this ACH refund setup, CBP may not be able to issue payment, even if the refund submission itself has been properly filed.
How Long Will Refunds Take?
CBP has indicated that valid IEEPA refunds will generally be issued within 60 to 90 days after CAPE Declaration acceptance, unless additional review is required.
Timing may vary based on entry status, CBP review, liquidation status, and whether the importer’s ACE refund banking information is complete. Missing or incorrect banking information can delay payment.
Stay in Control with Sheltered International
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