Learn what CBP CAPE error codes mean, why they happen, and how to fix them. Complete guide to ACE validation errors and CAPE processing issues.
Use CTRL + F on Windows or Command + F on a Mac to jump around the page to find your specific error code.
When the ACE/CAPE system is overloaded, submissions may fail temporarily without losing data. In these cases, wait and retry rather than immediately resubmitting. High traffic periods (especially launch days) may require multiple attempts.
Meaning:
CBP’s backend queue is overloaded. Your declaration did not enter processing, but it was not lost.
How to fix it:
Wait 30–60 minutes and submit again. Avoid repeated rapid retries. Early morning submissions typically perform better.
Resource:
CBP ACE system support: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/ace-support
Meaning:
The CAPE system is under heavy load and temporarily throttling processing.
How to fix it:
Pause for at least 30 minutes before retrying. Do not submit multiple duplicates.
Resource:
ACE portal system guidance: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated
A declaration showing as “not started” is typically sitting in CBP’s processing queue. Submitting duplicates will create conflicts once the original processes. Always wait for batch processing to complete before taking further action.
Meaning:
Your declaration is in the queue but has not yet been processed by CBP’s batch system. This can take 24–48 hours during peak periods.
How to fix it:
Do not resubmit. Wait for processing to complete. Duplicate submissions can create downstream entry conflicts.
Resource:
ACE reports (ES-003 for verification): https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/ace-reports
Meaning:
The submission likely succeeded, but your browser timed out before receiving confirmation.
How to fix it:
Check the claim number in the ACE portal or download the claim details file. Do not resubmit unless the claim is truly missing.
Resource:
ACE Portal User Guide: https://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/ace-portal-user-guide
Meaning:
The entry is in a status such as extended, suspended, or under review, preventing CAPE from recalculating duties.
How to fix it:
No action required. Refunds (if applicable) will be issued when the entry liquidates.
Resource:
CBP liquidation overview: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/entry-summary/liquidation
Meaning:
The entry has not liquidated and is subject to a suspension.
How to fix it:
Wait until liquidation. CAPE processing will complete automatically at that stage.
Resource:
CBP suspension and liquidation guidance: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/entry-summary
Meaning:
CBP is actively reviewing the entry.
How to fix it:
No action needed. Wait for CBP to complete the review process.
Resource:
CBP entry processing lifecycle: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export
Meaning:
Another government agency (e.g., FDA, EPA) has control over the entry.
How to fix it:
Wait until control returns to CBP before resubmitting.
Resource:
Partner Government Agency (PGA) processing: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/ace/features
Meaning:
These are Section 122 tariffs, which are not eligible for CAPE refunds.
How to fix it:
Remove entries that only contain these codes. If mixed with IEEPA codes, only the IEEPA portion will process.
Resource:
CBP tariff classification (Chapter 99): https://hts.usitc.gov/
Meaning:
CBP does not detect a valid IEEPA (Chapter 99) tariff line (e.g., 9903.01.xx or 9903.02.xx).
How to fix it:
Review the entry summary (CF-7501 or ES-003). If IEEPA duties were embedded incorrectly, contact your customs broker.
Resource:
CBP Entry Summary (CF-7501): https://www.cbp.gov/document/forms/cbp-form-7501-entry-summary
Meaning:
The declared value was incorrectly placed on a Chapter 99 tariff line instead of the base commodity line.
How to fix it:
File a Post Summary Correction (PSC) as a data correction, then submit a new CAPE declaration.
Resource:
Post Summary Correction (PSC): https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/entry-summary/post-summary-corrections
Meaning:
The Importer of Record (IOR) or ACE account does not match the entity submitting the CAPE declaration.
How to fix it:
Verify the IOR on the CF-7501 and confirm it matches your ACE account. If correct, escalate to CBP.
Resource:
ACE account management: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/getting-started
Meaning:
The entry is not associated with your ACE account or EIN.
How to fix it:
Confirm the entry appears under your EIN. If filed by a carrier (UPS/FedEx), you may not be the IOR.
Resource:
ACE account access guidance: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/ace-account-access
Meaning:
The entry is not in “Accepted” status and cannot be processed.
How to fix it:
Work with your customs broker to resolve the entry status, then resubmit.
Resource:
CBP entry filing requirements: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importing-into-us
Meaning:
Formatting errors (often from Excel) added hidden spaces or characters.
How to fix it:
Clean the entry number using TRIM and ensure proper formatting before uploading.
Resource:
ACE data formatting standards: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/ace
Meaning:
The entry was liquidated more than ~80 days ago and is outside CAPE eligibility.
How to fix it:
If within 180 days of liquidation, file a CBP protest (Form 19). Otherwise, no remedy is available.
Resource:
CBP protest process: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/priority-issues/protests
Meaning:
Drawback claims conflict with CAPE processing.
How to fix it:
No current resolution under CAPE Phase 1. Monitor for future guidance.
Resource:
CBP drawback program: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/drawback
Meaning:
Certain entry types (e.g., 23, 08, 09, 47) are excluded from CAPE.
How to fix it:
No CAPE path exists. Refunds must be pursued through other mechanisms.
Resource:
CBP entry types: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/entry-types
Meaning:
The reconciliation flag prevents CAPE processing.
How to fix it:
No immediate action. May be addressed in future CAPE phases.
Resource:
CBP reconciliation program: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/reconciliation
Meaning:
A legal hold prevents processing.
How to fix it:
No action possible through CAPE. Monitor legal proceedings.
Resource:
CBP legal/process updates: https://www.cbp.gov/trade
Meaning:
An open or suspended protest blocks CAPE processing.
How to fix it:
Resolve the protest before submitting to CAPE.
Resource:
CBP protest guidance: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/priority-issues/protests
Meaning:
Mismatch between Chapter 99 tariff and base HTS classification.
How to fix it:
Do not resubmit. Escalate to CBP with entry details for review.
Resource:
HTS classification system: https://hts.usitc.gov/
Meaning:
Certain IEEPA tariff codes are not currently supported in CAPE.
How to fix it:
Hold affected entries and monitor CBP guidance.
Resource:
CBP CSMS updates: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/cargo-systems-messaging-service
Meaning:
Once a CAPE declaration is accepted, Post Summary Corrections are blocked.
How to fix it:
No changes allowed. Corrections must occur post-liquidation or via CBP escalation.
Resource:
PSC rules: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/entry-summary/post-summary-corrections
Meaning:
ACE account deactivated due to inactivity.
How to fix it:
Contact ACE support to unlock. Prevent recurrence by logging in regularly.
Resource:
ACE support: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/ace-support
Meaning:
Account requires manual reactivation by CBP.
How to fix it:
Contact ACE support and reference Error Code 41.
Resource:
ACE support: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/ace-support
Meaning:
Certain goods are not intended to be subject to tariffs, but no exclusion mechanism exists at entry.
How to fix it:
Pay duties at entry, then file a PSC or protest once guidance is issued.
Resource:
CBP Section 232 guidance: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/remedies/section-232
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What is a CAPE error code?
A CAPE error code is a validation or processing message generated by CBP’s ACE system when a CAPE declaration fails due to formatting, eligibility, or system constraints.
Why does my CAPE declaration say "Not Started"?
It typically means your submission is queued but has not yet been processed. Under high load, this can take up to 48 hours.
Can I resubmit a CAPE declaration after an error?
Not always. If the entry is already queued or partially processed, resubmitting can create duplicate conflicts. Always verify status before retrying.
What entries are not eligible for CAPE?
Entries that are:
Already liquidated beyond protest window
Under drawback or reconciliation
Subject to protest or legal injunction
What is Error Code 864 in CAPE?
Error 864 means your CAPE declaration was accepted and PSC (Post Summary Correction) filings are now blocked for that entry.
Why is my CAPE submission rejected for HTS issues?
Because CAPE requires strict separation between:
Commodity HTS lines (Chapters 1–97)
IEEPA tariff lines (Chapter 99)
Incorrect structure will trigger rejection.
How long does CAPE processing take?
Processing time varies:
Validation: immediate to hours
Queue delays: up to 48 hours
Refunds: issued after liquidation
Where can I get help with CAPE errors?
The best options are:
CBP ACE Support
Freight Right if you're filing directly if you're filing for your IEEPA refund with Freight Right.
ACE reports (especially ES-003)
What happens after a CAPE submission shows “Accepted/Entry Summary Updated”? Is there another status?
"Accepted/Entry Summary Updated" means the CAPE declaration has been successfully submitted and recorded but it does NOT mean the refund has been processed.
After acceptance:
The entry moves into CBP’s internal recalculation and compliance review
No additional visible ACE status may appear
Refund activity is tracked via reports like REV-615 (detail), REV-603 (refund), and REV-613 (rejections)
shows users consistently confused when no further status appears after acceptance. Read more on CBP's website regarding accepted/entry summary.
Why are my CAPE entries accepted but still not producing refunds?
Acceptance only confirms submission, not eligibility or timing. Delays often occur during:
Duty recomputation
Compliance review (HTS structure, IEEPA separation)
Liquidation timing
Clean entries process faster than those triggering compliance flags.
Why are REV-603, REV-613, and REV-615 reports blank after submission?
Blank reports do not indicate failure:
REV-615 (Detail Report) populates first (entry-level data)
REV-603 (Refund Report) appears after reliquidation
REV-613 (Rejected Refunds) only shows data if there is an issue
If all are blank, the claim is typically still processing.
Why did my CAPE refund not arrive even though a refund date was shown?
Most missed refunds are caused by ACH refund enrollment is missing (separate document from duty payment ACH setup), banking Issues (closed account, incorrect routing, etc.) or offsets Applied by CBP (outstanding debts reduce or eliminate refunds).
Why does my refund show as “Funds Diverted” or lower than expected?
CBP applies offsets under 19 CFR § 24.72, meaning outstanding customs debts are deducted automatically, no prior notification is issued or refund amounts may be reduced or zero.
Why are HTS errors appearing on entries that were originally accepted?
CAPE is likely applying new validation logic, separate from original entry acceptance. This means Entries that cleared at filing may fail under CAPE Mismatch between Chapter 99 (IEEPA) and base HTS line is a common issue brokers and importers are finding.
Why does "Unable to Calculate Duty" appear and then change to a different error?
This typically indicates there's a backend validation changes during processing, CBP system updates or logic adjustments or reclassification of the underlying issue.
Why are FTZ (Type 06) entries more likely to fail CAPE validation?
FTZ entries often:
Use different sequencing logic
Aggregate tariff structures differently
Trigger HTS relationship validation errors
Can I include multiple Importers of Record (IORs) in one CAPE submission?
Yes. brokers can submit multiple IORs in one CAPE CSV, provided they filed the original entries and/or total entries remain within system limits.
Why does TR-011 not show IEEPA entries correctly?
TR-011 reflects current HTS status, not historical filing data.
Why are AD/CVD entries excluded from CAPE refunds?
Even if IEEPA codes exist CAPE Phase 1 excludes AD/CVD entries and duties may be removed, but refunds are held pending Commerce guidance.
Can I file a protest after submitting a CAPE declaration?
Not without difficulties. PSC filings are blocked after CAPE acceptance and protest eligibility depends on timing and entry status.