What if I changed customs brokers during the tariff period?
Quick answer
No problem. Tariffi supports multi-file upload from multiple brokers. Upload ES-003 exports from each broker who filed entries on your behalf. Our platform groups entries by IOR number across all files and routes CAPE declarations to the appropriate broker partner for each set of entries based on the original Filer Code.
Detailed Answer
Changing brokers during the tariff period is common and does not affect your eligibility for CAPE refunds. Tariffi handles multi-broker portfolios natively.
How it works with multiple brokers:
- Collect ES-003 exports from each broker. Contact every customs broker who filed entries on your behalf during the tariff period and request their ES-003 entry-summary export filtered by your IOR number.
- Upload all files. Tariffi supports multi-file upload. Our platform automatically groups entries by IOR number and Filer Code, creating a consolidated view of your complete import history across all brokers.
- Entries route to the correct broker. CAPE declarations are prepared per Filer Code — each broker's entries go to that broker for review and filing. If your current broker filed some entries and your previous broker filed others, both handle their respective portions.
- If a former broker is unresponsive: Contact support@tariffi.io. We may be able to work with the former broker to obtain ES-003 data, or explore alternative data-sourcing options depending on your ACE portal access.
Potential complications:
- Former broker not cooperating. Brokers are generally required to provide entry records to the importer of record on request. If your former broker is not responsive, your ACE portal access (if you have it) allows you to export the data directly.
- Filer Code changes. If your entries were filed under a Filer Code that is no longer active, the CAPE declaration may need special handling. The broker partner and Tariffi's support team coordinate on these cases.
The bottom line: Broker changes during the tariff period are a data-collection challenge, not an eligibility issue. Once Tariffi has the ES-003 data from all brokers, the analysis and filing process works the same.
Related Questions
We use multiple customs brokers. Do you work with all of them?
Yes. Tariffi's partnership architecture is broker-agnostic — we route each entry's preparation to the licensed broker who already has the ABI Filer Code for that entry. No broker-switch disruption. If a broker we have not partnered with yet owns some of your filings, we onboard them on your timeline.
What is an ES-003 file and how do I get it?
An ES-003 is CBP's standardized entry-summary export from the ACE portal in CSV format. It contains all data needed for CAPE declarations: entry numbers, HTS codes, duty amounts, and liquidation dates. Your customs broker can pull it, or you can export it directly from ace.cbp.gov if you have portal access.
Do I need a customs broker for a tariff refund?
Yes. Federal law (19 U.S.C. § 1641) requires a CBP-licensed customs broker to file CAPE declarations. Tariffi is a data-preparation platform, not a broker — we prepare your declaration data and route it to a licensed broker partner who reviews, approves, and transmits under their own ABI filer code at no extra cost to you.
How do I get a tariff refund?
Upload your ACE ES-003 entry-summary CSV to Tariffi. Our platform analyzes your entries for IEEPA and Section 301 overpayments, prepares the CAPE declaration data, and routes it to a CBP-licensed customs broker partner who files under their own license. No advance fees — you pay a contingency only when CBP approves your refund.
Need help?
Upload your ES-003 to see how much you could recover, or talk to our team.