Today’s 09:00 Freight Pulse: USMCA Tariff Refunds Explained in Under 3 Minutes

CBP’s new CAPE system is officially live, triggering a massive refund wave for tariffs previously collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). If you’ve been importing from Canada or Mexico, your bottom line is about to look a lot better.

USMCA did not receive a 16-year renewal this month, but the agreement remains fully in force through July 2036. The real news is the launch of CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries). Following a Supreme Court ruling, Customs and Border Protection is now returning millions in overpaid IEEPA-based duties. This specifically impacts those who paid emergency tariffs on North American imports between 2024 and early 2026.

Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the CAPE system are now active in the ACE Secure Data Portal. Importers must submit "CAPE declarations" to claim their refunds. Early data indicates that roughly 30% of initial filings are failing validation due to Importer of Record (IOR) mismatches or simple entry code errors. Precision in your reporting is no longer optional: it’s the difference between a check in the mail and a denied claim.

For brands utilizing Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, this is a critical liquidity event. Whether you operate a food-grade warehouse or manage high-velocity e-commerce, recovering these duties can offset rising transportation costs. Many Glen Burnie warehouse operators are already auditing their 2025 entries to ensure no capital is left sitting with the treasury.

Lanta Logistics provides more than just 3PL Maryland services; we offer the expertise to navigate shifting customs laws. As CBP increases origin-verification scrutiny, ensure your USMCA documentation is audit-ready for the mandatory five-year retention window. Scalable logistics requires a partner who understands the fine print of the freight world.

Stop leaving money on the table; contact Lanta Logistics to streamline your supply chain and secure your refunds today.