CAPE refund troubleshooting
CAPE Status Decoder for IEEPA Tariff Refunds
Paste the status you see in CAPE, identify who owns the import entry, and get the next broker-ready step before resubmitting.
Use after submission
This page is for post-submission statuses and account blockers.
Use `/refund` first if you only need an eligibility estimate.
Use this decoder when CAPE shows a status, error, or account mismatch.
Final filings still require ACE, broker, CBP, or counsel review.
Account mismatch triage
Check whether the importer, broker, carrier, or marketplace account actually owns the customs entry.
IEEPA-only duty guardrail
Keep MPF, HMF, Section 301, Section 232, broker fees, and carrier advancement fees out of the refund claim.
Broker-ready next step
Turn a vague CAPE status into a specific document request and escalation path.
Decode a CAPE status
Select the status or error you see, then add account and entry context. This is a triage worksheet, not a filing decision.
Broker-ready checklist
Send this context with the entry number so the broker can fix the blocker instead of guessing from the status text alone.
Status proof
- Importer of record number
- Broker filer code
- Carrier import program paperwork
IOR check
High mismatch risk. The carrier or logistics program may be the importer of record.
Confirm whether UPS, FedEx, DHL, or a consolidator imported under its own account.
Entry posture
Unknown liquidation status is a review flag. Confirm the entry state in ACE or with the broker.
Source trail and filing guardrails
Treat this as a planning layer. Confirm final numbers against ACE, HTS records, and broker documentation.