Time Is Running Out:
How Descartes Automates Post Summary Corrections Amid Trade Policy Shifts
Importers, customs brokers, and third-party consultancies are looking to file Post Summary Corrections (PSCs) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) due to the potential refunds on tariffs. However, given the volume of the PSCs required, and the limited time window to submit corrections, the urgency is high to leverage technology that can keep pace with trade policy change.
Why the Urgency Around PSCs?
The limited time window to file Post Summary Corrections (PSCs) is driven by how CBP manages the liquidation process for import entries, the point at which an import declaration becomes final. Once liquidation occurs, the importer loses the ability to make changes or claim refunds through PSCs. With many entries now approaching the liquidation window, especially those filings subject to tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), deploying a solution to handle a large volume of corrections is critical.
Descartes delivers a toolset to move quickly and confidently to obtain tariff refunds, turning a time-sensitive and complex refund opportunity into an automated process. Key features include:
Powerful API Integration
Descartes’ robust APIs enable seamless integration with internal platforms, such as a Descartes Forwarder Transportation Management System (Forwarder TMS), to exchange real-time trade data and trigger PSC creation automatically. APIs can detect eligible entries, prefill required fields, and push filings directly to CBP for faster turnaround and improved accuracy.
End-to-End Automation
Descartes automates every step of the PSC lifecycle, from identifying impacted entries to generating, submitting, and tracking corrections with CBP to reduce manual effort and ensure accuracy at scale.
Integrated Data Intelligence
The system uses data triggers to automatically flag entries that may be eligible for refunds under IEEPA-related tariffs or other trade policy changes.
Dynamic Validation & Eligibility Checks
Built-in business logic continuously monitors liquidation status, validating whether entries remain eligible for correction and alerting users before critical deadlines to avoid missed opportunities.
High-Volume Processing
Descartes supports batch PSC filing, allowing thousands of entries to be processed simultaneously, which is essential for large importers, brokers, and consultants handling multiple clients within tight timelines.
Audit-Ready Compliance
Every PSC is backed by a comprehensive audit trail, including data history, communications, and CBP submission details to provide full traceability.
Collaboration and Scalability
Designed for flexibility, Descartes supports both individual importers and large-scale third-party operations with multi-user access, centralized data management, and configurable dashboards.
Future Proofed for Policy Change
Descartes’ modular design allows organizations to update automation rules quickly as trade policies evolve to ensure continued compliance and refund eligibility regardless of policy shifts.
The Descartes Difference
With more than 30+ years of dedicated industry experiences, Descartes helps the logistics industry navigate the complexities of U.S. customs compliance. By combining advanced trade intelligence, real-time regulatory updates, and seamless connectivity, Descartes enables companies to minimize compliance risk and avoid costly delays or penalties. Our platform provides the transparency, control, and scalability needed to manage import and export operations across all modes of transportation—delivering the reliability and trust that our customers expect.