Frequently Asked Questions

No. We do not file CAPE declarations in ACE. Your broker (or you, if you're the Importer of Record) handles the ACE submission. We prepare everything else — data extraction, classification, CAPE CSV generation, error screening, and refund tracking.

Pure contingency. You pay nothing upfront. Our fee is a percentage of the refund amount CBP deposits into your account. The percentage is agreed in writing before we begin any work. If nothing is recovered, you owe nothing.

No. CBP sends ACH refunds directly to the bank account registered in your ACE Importer account. We never receive, hold, or transfer your refund. The money flows directly from the U.S. Treasury to your account.

From signed engagement to CAPE CSV delivery: typically 1–2 weeks. CBP processing after CAPE acceptance: 60–90 days per their published guidance. Phase 2 (liquidated) entries may take longer if a formal protest is required.

We sign a mutual NDA before reviewing any entry data. Your information is never shared without written authorization. For our demo tools, uploaded data is processed in memory and never stored.

We can identify which entries fall outside Phase 1 and flag open protest deadlines. For formal protest filing, we recommend engaging trade counsel — we can coordinate with your legal team to prepare the necessary data and documentation.

The current Supreme Court ruling applies specifically to IEEPA duties. Section 301 (China-specific) and Section 232 (national security) tariffs are not affected by this ruling. We only process IEEPA-eligible entries.

Yes. For entries that have already liquidated, the formal protest window is 180 days from the date of liquidation. Some windows are closing now. For unliquidated entries (Phase 1), CAPE is open but CBP will eventually close the Phase 1 window. The sooner you file, the sooner you get paid — plus interest accrues from the original payment date.

Yes, but our primary model is broker partnership. If you're an importer, we can prepare your CAPE data and coordinate with your existing broker — or connect you with a broker in our network. Either way, we never replace your broker and never take your client relationships.

The Quick Estimator provides a rough range based on industry averages. Actual refund amounts depend on your specific entry data — HTS classifications, duty amounts paid, liquidation status, and the exact dates. For a precise assessment, use our Demo Analysis tool with your ES-003 report, or contact us for a free portfolio review.