CBP has released updated technical guidance for submitting refund claims through the CAPE portal. While much of it confirms existing process, there are several important clarifications and new details that will help avoid rejections and delays:

1. Expanded Error Codes = More Visibility on Rejections

CBP has now published a detailed list of CAPE error codes and definitions, giving importers clearer insight into why submissions fail.

What this means:

• You can now diagnose and fix issues faster
• Expect more specific rejection messages instead of generic failures
• Resubmission after correction is expected and built into the process

2. Strict File Formatting Requirements (CSV Submissions)

CBP is enforcing very precise formatting rules for CAPE uploads.

Key reminders:

• Use the exact CBP template structure
• No extra columns, renamed headers, or formatting changes
• Ensure proper data types (dates, numbers, no special characters)

Why it matters:
Formatting errors are one of the most common causes of rejection

3. Entry-Level Validation is Automated

CAPE is performing automated eligibility checks at submission, including:

• Entry status
• Duplicate filings
• Data mismatches

What this means:

• Ineligible or inconsistent entries will be flagged immediately
• Clean, accurate data upfront = faster processing

4. Duplicate Claims Will Be Rejected

CBP has confirmed that duplicate submissions for the same entry will trigger errors.

Action item:

• Track what has already been submitted
• Avoid re-uploading the same entries unless correcting an error

5. Resubmission is Part of the Process

CBP expects that some filings will be rejected and corrected.

Important:

• You can fix errors and re-submit
• There is no penalty for resubmission, but delays will occur if errors persist

6. Data Accuracy is Critical

Common triggers for rejection include:

• Incorrect entry numbers
• Mismatched importer information
• Invalid dates or formats

Bottom line:
Garbage in = rejection out

Key Takeaway

This guidance confirms that CAPE is a rules-based, validation-heavy system.
Success depends on:

• Clean data
• Exact formatting
• Careful tracking of submissions

What This Means for You

• If your claim was rejected → you now have better tools to fix it
• If you haven’t submitted yet → getting the file right the first time matters more than ever
• Expect some iteration—but the process is becoming more transparent and predictable