CAPE Declaration CSV format: one column of entry numbers
As of
A CAPE Declaration is a CSV file with a single column headed "Entry Number" and one 11-character entry number per row. It is uploaded in the CAPE tab of the ACE Portal, not sent through ABI. CBP needs no other data in the file.
The format rules
These come from CBP’s CAPE quick reference guide (June 2026).
- Start from the template: in the ACE Portal, CAPE tab, File Uploads, select Upload and then the CAPE Upload Template link.
- Keep the "Entry Number" header in the first row. Put entry numbers in the first column from the second row down.
- Each entry number is 11 characters: the 3-character filer code, then the entry digits. Dashes are optional; CBP strips special characters before checking the length.
- No duplicates. At most 10,000 entries and 1 MB per file; split larger lists into several files.
- Save as "CSV (Comma delimited)". Spreadsheet programs drop leading zeros from numbers, so check them before saving.
- Tick the acknowledgement that you are legally authorized to make the filing, then upload.
Who can upload it
Only the importer of record or the licensed customs broker who filed the entries. For a broker or filer account, the first three characters of each entry number must match the account’s filer code. Attorneys cannot file CAPE for an importer.
The errors to expect
File errors reject the whole upload: an empty file, a missing header, not a CSV, over 1 MB or over 10,000 entries. Fix and upload the whole file again.
Entry errors reject single entries and the claim shows "Accepted with Error(s)". The common ones: "Not 11 characters long", "Duplicate Entry", "Account Mismatch" (the entry’s importer of record is not you), "No IEEPA HTS on entry", "Protest on entry", and "Entry Summary is in Final Liquidation Status" (more than 80 days past liquidation). Upload only the corrected entries again.
Accepted CAPE refunds are generally issued within 60 to 90 days, to the ACH account on file in ACE if one is set up.
Sources
FluxFina prepares documents for the importer of record or their licensed customs broker. It is not legal or customs advice, and FluxFina never files with CBP. Only the importer of record or its broker can file a CAPE Declaration or a protest.