Valuation
Customs valuation involves the application of complex statutory formulas to determine the dutiable value of imported merchandise. The manner in which import transactions are structured and documented frequently affects dutiable […]
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), formally known as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) provides for duty-free or preferred rates of duty for goods shipped between the United States, […]
Supply Chain Security
We work with our clients to gather all pertinent security information, draft and implement trade security policies and procedures, and complete and submit the finished C-TPAT application.
Foreign Trade Zones and Bonded Warehouses
Logistics providers and importers can obtain significant cash flow benefits by deferring duties on stored goods and can minimize the total duty liability on manufactured items under one or more […]
Special Duty Programs
There are a number of special programs available that can provide significant duty savings opportunities for importers. Duty-free or reduced duty treatment is potentially available through programs such as the United […]
Quotas and Import Restrictions
The United States maintains a comprehensive system of import restraints that limit or prohibit the importation of certain merchandise. These measures have typically consisted of outright quantitative limits or tariff […]
Product Safety
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) promulgates standards for over 15,000 consumer products, from apparel to electrical articles to toys, which are imported or sold in the United States. Many […]
Product Admissibility
Imported products are subject to a wide array of labeling, content and admissibility requirements which are administered by a variety of different federal agencies. The responsibility for administering and enforcing […]
Penalties, Seizures and Investigations
Violations of US customs and trade laws can result in criminal prosecution, merchandise seizure and the assessment of penalties equal to the domestic wholesale value of the imported merchandise. Customs […]
Litigation
Almost all government decisions relating to the importation and exportation of merchandise can be challenged in court. However, an importer’s claims for relief are subject to very strict time frames […]
Legislation and Trade Policy Decisions
When clients are faced with unreasonable agency decisions, the unfair or inequitable application of law or policy, and litigation is either unavailable or an ineffective remedy, we have the expertise […]
Intellectual Property
Today, more than ever before, US Customs and Border Protection aggressively enforces intellectual property rights (IPR). Our firm’s attorneys assist clients with the electronic recordation of trademarks and copyrights. After […]
Due Diligence and Acquisitions
Corporate due diligence exercises frequently overlook issues relating to undisclosed import and export transactions. We provide guidance to assist with due diligence and strategic business planning to determine the effect […]
Fish and Wildlife
Imports or exports made in violation of US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) requirements are subject to exclusion and or seizure. Repeated violations can result in the revocation of an […]
Export Controls and Sanction Programs
In response to concerns over the foreign transfer of sensitive technology, the United States has developed a complex and multi-faceted system of export controls which apply to a wide variety […]
Drawback
Whenever merchandise must be exported after importation, drawback provides for the refund of customs duties initially paid on the imported merchandise. The Firm possesses considerable expertise with respect to legal […]
Customs Rulings
US Customs & Border Protection provides written binding advice upon request with respect to most issues within its jurisdiction. Such rulings may be requested from Customs Headquarters in certain instances, […]
Customs Broker Regulation
Several of our lawyers are licensed Customs Brokers and understand the requirements and demands placed upon these service providers. Our close working relationship with Customs Brokers brings the Firm greater […]
Country of Origin and Marking
The country of origin of imported products can impact the tariff status and marking requirements of imported merchandise. Origin determinations become complex when imported products undergo processing in more than […]
Compliance Assessments and Customs Audits
The customs laws require that importers and exporters exercise reasonable care to assure that declarations on customs documents are true and correct. US Customs and Border Protection regularly audits importers […]
Tariff Classification
Goods imported into the United States must be properly classified in accordance with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). Tariff classification determines the admissibility of goods, the […]
Cultural Property Laws
Trade in art and antiquities can be traced back to the oldest trade routes – perhaps as early as the 2nd Millennium B.C. We may not know when the first […]
Antidumping, Countervailing Duty and Other Import Relief Laws
Our full-time commitment to this practice over many years provides the Firm’s clients with the expertise necessary to prevent the imposition of potentially crippling trade sanctions. The Firm’s trade department […]