08/07/2026
CBP Provides Update on CAPE Program Progress and Refunds
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Trade and Customs Updates
CBP Provides Update on CAPE Program Progress and Refunds
On August 4, 2026, Brandon Lord, Executive Director of Trade at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, issued an update on the progress of the CAPE program. As of 3:00 p.m. ET on Friday, July 31, 2026, a total of 252,496 CAPE declarations had been submitted, with 178,213 successfully passing file validation checks. The most common reasons for CAPE declaration failures include mismatches between the importer of record and filer, entry number errors (such as incorrect length or non-existent numbers), and .CSV files that do not conform to the ACE portal’s published template.
Of the declarations passing file validation, these cover 25.1 million entries with IEEPA duties that also passed entry-specific validations and were accepted for the removal of IEEPA duties through CAPE. To date, 17.69 million of these accepted entries have been liquidated or reliquidated without IEEPA duties. However, 5.02 million entries failed entry-level validations, primarily due to issues such as entry dates falling outside CBP’s 90-day re-liquidation authority, missing Chapter 99 HTS numbers, or the entry already being included in a previous CAPE declaration.
Financially, approximately $128.68 billion in both potential and certified refunds have been accepted for processing in CAPE. Of this, about $100 billion in refunds—including duties and interest—have been completed, certified by CBP, and transmitted to the U.S. Department of Treasury for disbursement. CBP’s financial systems confirm that these refunds are being regularly disbursed by Treasury. The agency continues to review and finalize the remaining potential refunds via CAPE’s review and liquidation/reliquidation processes.
As of the latest update, 19,726 refunds totaling approximately $1.6 billion have not yet been sent to Treasury because ACH account information is still pending from the importer of record or their authorized CBP Form 4811 designee. In addition, 2.2 million entries designated for reconciliation have been successfully filed in CAPE and are queued for processing.
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U.S. Imposes New Tariffs and Minimum Import Prices on Polysilicon and Solar Products Following National Security Review
Based on a report transmitted by the Secretary of Commerce, President Trump has enacted new trade measures targeting imports of polysilicon and its derivatives, citing national security concerns under section 232. The move follows an investigation into the impact of these imports on U.S. interests.
Effective December 4, 2026, imported polysilicon and derivative products—including ingots, wafers, solar cells, and solar modules—will be subject to minimum import prices (MIP): $21 per kilogram for polysilicon, $100 per kilogram for polysilicon ingots and wafers, $0.22 per watt for solar cells, and $0.38 per watt for solar modules. Imports listed in Annex I and Annex II of the presidential proclamation must comply with the MIP program, and CBP will require importers to submit documentation proving that the first arm’s-length U.S. sale of the merchandise, or downstream products made from it, meets or exceeds the applicable MIP, or that pre-existing contracts cover the sale.
If importers fail to provide the necessary documentation, their merchandise will incur a specific tariff equal to the full MIP. If the entered value is below the MIP, a tariff equal to the difference will be assessed. Additionally, polysilicon ingots and derivatives will face an extra 15% ad valorem duty unless otherwise specified. For imports from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, or EU member states, total tariffs (including both section 232 and Column 1 rates) will be capped at 15%, while imports from the UK will face a 10% rate.
The proclamation also introduces provisions to encourage onshoring of manufacturing, allowing companies to submit plans to build, refurbish, or expand U.S. production facilities, with construction required to begin by January 20, 2029.
Further, the new measures affect foreign trade zone procedures: covered products entering zones on or after the effective date must be admitted under “privileged foreign status” and will be subject to duties upon U.S. entry. Manufacturing drawback claims for duties paid under this proclamation will be allowed only if the goods are not subject to anti-dumping or countervailing duties, are from designated trade agreement partners (including the UK, EU, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Canada, and future qualifying partners), and if the polysilicon content is sourced entirely from these countries.
Reference:
Adjusting Imports of Polysilicon and its Derivatives into the United States – The White House
Commerce Department Seeks Public Input on Expanding Section 232 Tariffs to Additional Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Products
The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and the Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security have issued a notice in the Federal Register, inviting public comment on a proposal to expand Section 232 tariffs to cover 14 additional derivative products made predominantly from aluminum, steel, or copper. This move follows findings that imports of these items threaten to undermine U.S. national security objectives addressed in previous presidential proclamations.
The proposed list includes aluminum powder, brass-wind musical instruments and their parts, parts of welding machines, floor safes, certain electric conductor cables, fire extinguishers, parts of heat exchange units, parts of hydraulic engines and motors, mobile lifting frames and straddle carriers, tanker trailers and semi-trailers, self-loading or self-unloading trailers for agricultural use, other trailers, and filled steel containers with specific chemicals such as propane, oxygen, and propylene.
If adopted, most of these articles would be subject to a 25% tariff. Agricultural trailers would face a 15% tariff, and filled steel containers for designated chemicals would be subject to a 50% tariff—applied only to the container’s value, not its contents. The Department is seeking stakeholder feedback to ensure that the expanded tariffs adequately address national security concerns while considering the implications for industry and trade partners.
Information on how to submit comments can be found in the Federal Register.
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U.S. Eliminates Tariffs on Patented U.K. Pharmaceuticals and Ingredients Effective July 31
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has released updated guidance confirming the removal of tariffs on patented pharmaceuticals and related ingredients originating from the United Kingdom. Under Presidential Proclamation 11020, titled “Notice of Reduction of Tariffs on Patented Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients for Production,” the tariff rate is reduced from 10% to zero, effective July 31, 2026.
The tariff elimination applies to goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time, July 31, under tariff code 9903.04.63. This covers patented pharmaceutical articles defined in U.S. note 40(c) and (g) to subchapter III that are products of the United Kingdom. The new policy sets the additional ad valorem duty rate at 0%, providing relief to importers of these U.K. pharmaceutical goods.
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U.S. Implements Tariff-Rate Quota on Quartz Surface Product Imports Following ITC Injury Finding
On May 18, 2026, the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) delivered a report to the President concluding that surging imports of quartz surface products (QSP) are causing serious harm to the domestic industry. In response, the President has announced a series of safeguard measures, effective August 15, 2026, to limit imports and protect U.S. producers.
The new policy establishes a tariff-rate quota on imports of QSP classified under HTSUS subheadings 6810.99.0020, 6810.99.0040, and 7020.00.6000. Imports from Australia, Canada, several free trade partners, and designated developing countries are exempt from these safeguards, unless their import volumes exceed specified thresholds or a surge in imports is detected. These measures also allow for quick action against efforts to circumvent the restrictions or in case of significant increases in imports from previously exempt countries.
The U.S. Trade Representative is authorized to revise the scope of the exemptions, negotiate agreements with trading partners to cap exports, and implement additional actions to ensure the effectiveness of the safeguards. All affected merchandise entering U.S. foreign trade zones from August 15 onward must be admitted under “privileged foreign status” and will be subject to the new rules upon entry for consumption. These provisions will remain in place until further notice, with the possibility for revision or termination depending on future circumstances.
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CBP Mandates Electronic Payments for Post Summary Correction Increases Starting August 5, 2026
CBP announced a significant change regarding payment methods for increases in duties, taxes, and fees resulting from Post Summary Corrections (PSC), effective August 5, 2026. In a CSMS published on August 3, CBP stated that filers must now remit payment for these increases electronically using ACH; check or cash payments will no longer be accepted.
To comply, filers must submit PSC electronic payment authorizations to CBP through the ABI. Detailed instructions on participating in ACH Debit or Credit programs are available on the CBP website, or by contacting [email protected].
The ACH Debit process involves CBP sending a preliminary statement to the filer for review and payment authorization, with final confirmation and bank processing following acceptance. For ACH Credit, filers must coordinate with their bank using a specific payment format provided by CBP and ensure timely initiation of transactions.
Filers are required to pay the full amount of any additional duties, taxes, and fees at the time of PSC submission or wait for a bill upon liquidation—partial payments will not be accepted. Additionally, interest on increased amounts will only be billed and collected after liquidation, not in advance.
Reference:
CSMS # 69428352 - Modifications to the Processing of Post Summary Corrections
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Announces Registration Open for August Trade Enforcement Webinars
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Trade is hosting a pair of trade enforcement webinars in August 2026. These free quarterly sessions will train users on how to effectively report suspected trade violations and file Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) allegations through the Trade Violations Reporting online portal.
Upcoming August 2026 Webinar Dates:
- Trade Violations Reporting (TVR) Webinar - Monday, August 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET
- Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) Webinar - Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET
Registration links for the August webinars will become available one month prior to each webinar date at https://go.dhs.gov/4i4.
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National Commodity Specialist Division (NCSD) August 2026 Webinars
The National Commodity Specialist Division, part of the Office of Trade, is launching a new series of over 30 commodity-specific educational webinars aimed at supporting both internal and external stakeholders. This year’s program, themed "The Future of Trade: Innovation and Emerging Technology," will focus on the impact of rapidly advancing technology while also offering general classification guidance to facilitate legitimate trade.
The webinars will be hosted on the WebEx platform to ensure a seamless experience, and recordings will be posted publicly at Trade Outreach Webinars | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
NCSD’s August Webinar Schedule:
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. ET: Into the Future with the General Rules of Interpretation – The “Into the Future with the General Rules of Interpretation” is part of the 2026 Educations Commodity Specific Webinar Series hosted by the National Commodity Specialist Division, Regulations and Rulings, Office of Trade. The webinar will provide an overview of the GRIs with a focus on using them to classify future products.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. ET: Innovation in Handbags, Travel Bags, and Luggage – The “Innovation in Handbags, Travel Bags, and Luggage” is part of the 2026 Educations Commodity Specific Webinar Series hosted by the National Commodity Specialist Division, Regulations and Rulings, Office of Trade. This webinar will provide an overview of innovations in handbags, travel bags, and luggage. It will also discuss classification considerations related to these products.
Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. ET: Women’s Suits and Ensembles – The “Women’s Suits and Ensembles” is part of the 2026 Educations Commodity Specific Webinar Series hosted by the National Commodity Specialist Division, Regulations and Rulings, Office of Trade. This webinar will be discussing women’s suits and ensembles, the features of both, and the questions we often get on these garments. Our focus will be on Note 3 of Chapters 61 and 62.
Friday, August 14, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. ET: The Classification of Steel Bars and Rods in Chapter 72 – “The Classification of Steel Bars and Rods in Chapter 72” is part of the 2026 Educations Commodity Specific Webinar Series hosted by the National Commodity Specialist Division, Regulations and Rulings, Office of Trade. This webinar distinguishes between different types of bars and rods, including the key legal notes, product definitions, and the major headings used for classification.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. ET: Mattresses and Cushions: Hybrids & More of Heading 9404 – The “Mattresses and Cushions: Hybrids & More of Heading 9404” is part of the 2026 Educations Commodity Specific Webinar Series hosted by the National Commodity Specialist Division, Regulations and Rulings, Office of Trade. This webinar will cover the classification of mattresses and cushions of heading 9404 and how classification is determined for more complex items such as hybrids, pneumatic items, and bed-in-the-box items. We will examine the legal notes, previously issued rulings and court cases that guide our classification of these products.
Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. ET: Counter-Balance: Surfaces of Chapters 68 and 70 – The “Counter-Balance: Surfaces of Chapters 68 and 70” is part of the 2026 Educations Commodity Specific Webinar Series hosted by the National Commodity Specialist Division, Regulations and Rulings, Office of Trade. This webinar will discuss the classification of, and AD/CVD scopes related to, manufactured surface products of Chapters 68 and 70.
Friday, August 28, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. ET: Wadding, Gauze, Bandages, and Similar Articles – The “Wadding, Gauze, Bandages, and Similar Articles” is part of the 2026 Educations Commodity Specific Webinar Series hosted by the National Commodity Specialist Division, Regulations and Rulings, Office of Trade. This webinar will focus on the primary factors to consider when classifying products under heading 3005: medical use, wound treatment, the presence of pharmaceutical substances, and packing.
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CSMS # 69242526 - National Commodity Specialist Division (NCSD) August 2026 Webinars
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