Am I eligible for a refund?
Based on cross-border trade and tariff recovery analysis.
A free guide for businesses that paid US tariffs and want to know if they can get a refund.
What is this tool?
USMCARefund.com helps businesses find out if they can recover US tariffs. It covers two refund paths that may both apply to Canadian businesses:
A US court ruling on Feb 20, 2026 found certain tariffs were unlawful. CBP launched the CAPE refund portal on April 20, 2026. You may recover tariffs paid between Feb 4, 2025 and Feb 24, 2026 — plus interest.
Canadian businesses that paid US tariffs may also file a separate claim with Canada's border agency (CBSA). This is in addition to the US refund — not instead of it.
The tool also includes a refund estimator, deadline calculator, product lookup, document checklists, and a plain-English glossary.
Who is it for?
⚠ This is a pilot version — we need your feedback
We are sharing this with customs brokers and freight forwarders before public launch. Please review and let us know what we missed.
We would value your feedback on:
Important notices
Not legal advice. This tool provides general information only. It does not constitute legal advice, customs advice, or professional advice of any kind.
Not affiliated with any government agency. USMCARefund.com is an independent private tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with CBP, CBSA, the US government, or the Government of Canada.
Free to use. This tool is free to use for general information purposes. See our Terms of use and Privacy policy for full details.
Need immediate liquidity? Some importers choose not to wait for government processing. Third-party claim purchasers — such as Capital Administration Services (CAS) — offer to purchase your IEEPA refund claim for immediate cash at a discount. USMCARefund.com is not affiliated with CAS or any claim purchaser and does not endorse any specific service. Always review terms carefully before selling a claim.
Get a rough estimate of your potential IEEPA tariff refund. For Canadian importers it covers both your potential US CAPE refund and your Canadian CBSA drawback estimate.
Enter the total declared customs value for all entries that paid IEEPA tariffs between February 4, 2025 and February 24, 2026.
Interest rate under 19 U.S.C. § 1505(c) — compounded daily from the original entry date.
How this estimate works
The estimator multiplies your declared customs value by the applicable IEEPA rate, then adds approximate statutory interest at the applicable rate under 19 U.S.C. § 1505(c). CBP's actual calculation is done per-entry — treat this as a rough ballpark only.
What is NOT included: Section 232 tariffs (steel 50%, aluminum 50%), Section 301 China tariffs, the current 15% Section 122 tariff, USMCA-qualifying entries that paid 0% IEEPA, and de minimis entries.
Covered IEEPA orders: Executive Orders 14193, 14194, 14195, and 14257. All four orders were struck down.
This estimator provides a rough approximation for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice, customs advice, financial advice, or a professional assessment of your claim. USMCARefund.com will not be responsible for any loss, financial decision, or action taken in reliance on this estimate. Always obtain your actual refund amount from your CBP Form 7501 entry summaries.
On February 20, 2026, the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, 607 U.S. ___ (2026). All IEEPA tariffs collected since February 2025 are now subject to refund. CBP launched the CAPE portal on April 20, 2026. Canadian companies should also review the Canadian CBSA filing tab.
Phase 1 covers unliquidated entries and entries liquidated within the past 80 days. The 80-day limit exists because CBP must process entries within its 90-day voluntary reliquidation window under 19 U.S.C. § 1501. Source: CBP official IEEPA Duty Refunds page.
Important — March 27 CIT order expands coverage: On March 27, 2026 Judge Richard K. Eaton of the US Court of International Trade issued an amended order in Atmus Filtration, Inc. v. United States — later re-issued in Euro-Notions v. United States — directing CBP to reliquidate all IEEPA entries including finally liquidated entries whose 180-day protest window has expired. This order is subject to appeal and Phase 2 has no announced date. Consult a customs attorney promptly.
Entries outside the 80-day window: Excluded from Phase 1. Phase 2 will cover these under the court mandate — but has no announced date. See the warning section below.
Who can file — and who cannot
The filing rules are strict in both the US and Canada. Read this before taking any action.
United States — CAPE Declaration filed with CBP
| Role | Can file CAPE Declaration | Can receive refund |
|---|---|---|
| Importer of Record (IOR) — filing directly | Yes — directly through ACE portal | Yes — via ACH to US-dollar bank account |
| Licensed customs broker who originally filed the specific entries | Yes — with written power of attorney from IOR | Refund paid to IOR unless IOR designates otherwise via CBP Form 4811 |
| A different broker, consultant, or agent not the original filer | No — even with a power of attorney | Yes — only if designated via CBP Form 4811 |
| Trade attorney, accountant, or other advisor | No — unless also the licensed broker who originally filed | No |
Canada — Drawback claim (Form K32) filed with CBSA
| Role | Can file CBSA Form K32 | Can receive refund |
|---|---|---|
| Importer of Record (IOR) — filing directly via CARM portal | Yes — directly through CARM portal | Yes — via CBSA refund to registered account |
| Any licensed Canadian customs broker — not restricted to original filer | Yes — any licensed broker with written authorization | Refund directed to IOR |
| Trade consultant or authorized agent with written authorization | Yes — with written authorization from IOR | Refund directed to IOR |
| Multiple eligible claimants | Only one claimant can file — all others must provide written waivers first | Only the filing claimant |
Can I file directly without a broker?
What if my entries are outside the 80-day Phase 1 window?
If your entries were liquidated more than 80 days ago they are excluded from CAPE Phase 1. Phase 2 will cover these — but has no announced date.
⚠ Critical warnings before you file — read this first
US CAPE filing steps — click to expand
Documents needed for US CAPE filing
Legal notice: Information based on the Supreme Court's decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, 607 U.S. ___ (Feb. 20, 2026) and official CBP guidance as of April 30, 2026. Always verify current rules with CBP's official CAPE page before filing. This is general information only, not legal advice.
Following the Supreme Court's decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, 607 U.S. ___ (Feb. 20, 2026), Canadian companies that paid US IEEPA tariffs may have a parallel refund claim through CBSA's duty drawback program — separate from the US CAPE process.
The US CAPE portal recovers duties paid to US CBP. The Canadian CBSA drawback process recovers duties on the Canadian side. They are independent — filing one does not replace the other.
For a full comparison of who can and cannot file in both countries see the CAPE tab — Who can file section.
Eligibility — you must meet ALL of these
CUSMA rules of origin — which criterion applies?
The lesser of two duties rule — critical for Canadian claimants
CUSMA imposes a "lesser of two duties" limitation. Your refund is limited to whichever is smaller:
Convert US duty amounts to Canadian dollars before comparing. See CBSA Memorandum D7-4-3 Appendix A for calculation examples.
Exception: If your goods are of CUSMA, US, or Mexico origin (not third-country goods), the lesser of two duties limitation does NOT apply and full relief may be available.
Complete document checklist — compile before filing
Part A — Proof of US tariff payment
Part B — Proof of CUSMA origin
Part C — Canadian import documentation
Part D — Commercial documentation
Part E — Drawback claim forms
Part F — Vehicles only (if applicable)
Canadian CBSA filing steps — click to expand
Key deadlines — Canadian side
Key Canadian resources
Legal notice: Information based on publicly available CBSA guidance and CUSMA provisions as of April 30, 2026. Always verify with CBSA before filing. This is general information only, not legal advice.
Enter your key date to see how long you have left to file. US deadlines are set by CBP. Canadian deadlines are set by CBSA.
Deadline calculations are estimates based on general rules only. Actual deadlines depend on the specific facts of your entry, CBP or CBSA processing dates, and applicable exceptions. USMCARefund.com will not be responsible for any loss, missed deadline, or forfeited refund arising from reliance on these calculations. Confirm your actual deadline directly with CBP, CBSA, or a licensed customs broker before acting.
Legal notice: Deadline calculations are estimates only. Missing a filing deadline may permanently and irrevocably forfeit your right to a refund. USMCARefund.com will not be responsible for any loss, missed deadline, or forfeited refund of any kind. Always confirm your deadline with CBP, CBSA, or a licensed customs broker before acting.
Check approximate CUSMA/USMCA tariff treatment and refund likelihood for your product category. Tariffs are collected by CBP on the US side and CBSA on the Canadian side.
Tariff rates and rules shown are approximate and for general guidance only. Always verify with the official USITC HTS database and a licensed customs broker.
Legal notice: Rates and rules are approximate estimates for general guidance only. Verify with the USITC HTS database and a licensed customs broker before making any business or filing decisions.
Use this page to find the right tool for your situation. All the detail — steps, document checklists, deadlines, and portal links — lives in the specific tab for your claim type.
You may have two separate claims — one with US CBP (CAPE portal) and one with CBSA (CARM portal). Both processes are independent and should be filed as soon as possible. The US Phase 1 window is time-sensitive.
The US CAPE portal is open to all importers of record worldwide — not just Canadian companies. File directly through the ACE portal. The Phase 1 window is time-sensitive.
Older entries are excluded from CAPE Phase 1 but you may still have options — a CBP protest (if within 180 days of liquidation) or a CIT action. The March 27, 2026 court order may also cover your entries in Phase 2. Act promptly. Full guidance including the protest deadline calculator is in the CAPE tab.
You may be able to file a USMCA post-entry amendment (PSC) through the ACE portal within 1 year of the import date to claim the preferential rate and recover the duties paid. Check your deadline first.
File a CBP protest (Form 19) within 180 days of the liquidation date shown on your CBP Form 7501. Check your deadline immediately — this window cannot be extended.
Up to 99% of duties paid may be refundable through US duty drawback (CBP Form 7551, within 5 years of import) or Canadian CBSA drawback (Form K32, within 4 years of CBSA release). Check your deadline and see the Canadian CBSA guide for the CARM filing process.
Use the eligibility checker at the top of the page to answer four quick questions — it will identify your situation and direct you to the right portal and guide. Or describe your situation in the Get help tab and we will respond within 1–2 business days.
Legal notice: This page is general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice of any kind. USMCARefund.com will not be responsible for any loss of any kind arising from use of or reliance on this information. Always verify filing requirements with CBP, CBSA, or a licensed customs broker before acting.
Submit your question below and we will respond by email within 1 to 2 business days.
Describe your situation — what you imported, the dates, whether you were the importer of record, the country of origin, and what happened.
Legal notice: Responses to submitted questions are general information only. No professional relationship of any kind is created by submitting a question. USMCARefund.com will not be responsible for any loss of any kind arising from use of or reliance on any response provided.
Key terms used in US-Canada tariff refund claims — explained in plain language. US filings involve CBP (US Customs and Border Protection). Canadian filings involve CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency).
Legal notice: Definitions are plain-language summaries for general information only. For precise legal definitions consult the applicable statute, CBP regulations, CBSA regulations, or a licensed customs broker or trade attorney.
Please read this carefully and in full before using this website.
USMCARefund.com provides general educational information about US-Canada tariff refund processes. All content on this website is provided for general informational purposes only. Nothing on this website constitutes legal advice, regulatory advice, customs advice, tax advice, financial advice, or professional advice of any kind. No professional relationship of any kind is created by your use of this website.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, USMCARefund.com, its owners, operators, authors, contributors, and affiliates expressly disclaim all liability and will not be responsible for any loss, damage, cost, or expense of any kind, whether direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or otherwise, arising from or in connection with your use of or reliance on any information, tool, calculator, guide, or content on this website, any denied refund claim, any missed filing deadline, or any penalty, fine, or enforcement action arising from actions taken based on this website.
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Tariff law, trade policy, IEEPA regulations, CAPE rules, CBSA drawback rules, and customs regulations are changing rapidly in 2026. Always verify information with primary official sources including CBP's official CAPE page, the CBSA drawback program page, and the USITC HTS database.
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Last updated: May 1, 2026. Contact: [email protected]
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