Trade Compliance, Explained

Guides, explainers, and practical tools from a working customs broker. No jargon walls. No gated content. Just the information importers actually need.

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All IEEPA Guides Explainers
8 min read

How to Read Your CBP Form 7501

The 7501 is the single most important document in U.S. importing — and most importers have never actually read one. This guide walks through every field that matters for duty verification and refund screening.

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6 min read

IEEPA vs Section 232 vs Section 301 — What's the Difference?

These three tariff programs get conflated constantly — by importers, by calculators, and sometimes by brokers. Here's how they differ, why it matters for refunds, and how to tell which one applies to your entries.

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10 min read

CAPE Portal Filing Guide — Step by Step

The CAPE portal is how you file for IEEPA refunds with CBP. This guide covers account setup, data requirements, filing procedures, and the common mistakes that get claims rejected or delayed.

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5 min read

What "Classification-First" Means and Why It Matters

Most tariff misapplication starts with the same mistake: assuming a tariff applies based on material or origin before confirming the HTS classification. This explainer shows how classification-first thinking prevents overpayment.

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4 min read

What's NOT Refundable: 232, 301, AD/CVD, and Section 122

Not every duty you've paid is eligible for an IEEPA refund. This quick reference covers the tariff programs that look similar but don't qualify — and why the distinction matters for your filing.

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7 min read

Chapter 99 Quick Reference for Importers

Chapter 99 of the HTSUS is where all the special tariff programs live — and it's where most of the confusion happens. This reference guide maps the most common Chapter 99 codes to their programs and rates.

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Stay Current on IEEPA & Trade Compliance

Executive orders change fast. Get updates on refund deadlines, rate table changes, and compliance guidance — written by a broker, not a marketing team.