The Simple IEEPA Refund Checklist for Importers

 Many importers are now asking the same question:


“Do I qualify for an IEEPA tariff refund?”

The answer depends on your customs records, but the first step is simple: review your import paperwork.

Importers should not wait until the last minute. Even if you are not ready to file anything today, you should start organizing the information your broker may need.

Here is a simple checklist:

1. Confirm whether your company paid IEEPA-related duties.
2. Find the affected entry numbers.
3. Confirm who was listed as the importer of record.
4. Contact the customs broker that filed the entries.
5. Check whether your company has ACE Portal access.
6. Make sure bank/refund information is current.
7. Separate open, liquidated, protested, or older entries.
8. Ask your broker whether the entries may qualify under the current CAPE process.

The important point is this:

You do not need to understand every legal detail before taking action.

You just need to start with your paperwork.

For apparel and consumer goods importers, this is especially important because many companies rely heavily on overseas suppliers, freight providers, or door-delivery arrangements. If the importer does not have visibility into customs entries, it may be harder to know whether refunds are available.

Cargo Bridge helps importers review their freight and customs flow so they can ask the right questions and better understand what happened on past shipments.

This is not legal or customs brokerage advice. Importers should work with their licensed customs broker or trade counsel for official filing decisions.

But every importer should at least review the paperwork.

A simple review today may help uncover a refund opportunity later.
Location: United States

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