Tariffi vs. Filing Yourself
DIY filing is free but requires ACE portal access, customs knowledge, and a licensed broker to submit on your behalf.
Key differences at a glance
| Factor | Tariffi | DIY CAPE Filing |
|---|---|---|
| Automated ES-003 parsing | Automated ES-003 parsing | manual data entry |
| Licensed broker partner | Licensed broker partner included | finding your own |
| Quality gate catches | Quality gate catches errors | hoping CBP accepts |
| Contingency fee | Contingency fee | your own time investment |
Tariffi advantages
- No customs expertise required — upload your ES-003 and we handle the rest
- Automated data validation catches errors before filing
- Licensed broker partner reviews and submits via ACE
- Tracks every entry's liquidation status automatically
- Zero advance fees — only pay on successful recovery
DIY CAPE Filing advantages
- No contingency fee on successful recoveries
- Full control over the filing process
- Direct relationship with CBP through your broker
- Suitable for importers with dedicated customs staff
The bottom line
If you have a customs team, ACE portal access, and a broker relationship, DIY filing saves the contingency fee. For most small and mid-market importers without dedicated customs staff, Tariffi eliminates the learning curve and error risk. The contingency fee is only charged on successful recoveries.
See your estimated refund
Use our free calculator or upload your ES-003 for a precise analysis.