Using a Middleman? Learn How to Lower Your Customs Value Using First Sale!

Pursuant to the Customs Modernization Act, the importer of record (IOR) must use “reasonable care” when providing the value of the goods to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). All merchandise imported into the United States is subject to valuation or appraisement. The Trade Agreements Act of 1979, codified at 19 U.S.C. § 1401a, sets forth a hierarchy of methods for the appraisement of imported merchandise. Under the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, the transaction value of imported merchandise is the primary or preferred method for determining the value of imported merchandise. Generally, transaction value is the price actually paid or payable for merchandise when sold for exportation to the United States, plus certain statutorily enumerated additions.

CBP, BIS, AND OTHER AGENCIES LAUNCH A NEW TASK FORCE TO COMBAT COUNTERFEIT GOODS

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a press release announcing a new multi-agency task force, The Global Trade Task Force (GTTF), which is designed to protect national security and combat counterfeit goods. The multi-agency task force was launched recently in Detroit and DHS believes the task force could serve as a national model for related investigations.

CBP Needs Your Help to Improve their Operations in the 21st Century Business Environment – COMMENT PERIOD NOW OPEN!

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has announced the re-opening of the public comment period on the six key themes identified by “The 21st Century Customs Framework” initiative. Now is your chance to provide feedback to CBP that can benefit your supply chain and the US economy.

CBP appreciates the need to stay modern to face the challenges of an evolving business landscape. To fulfill its mission, CBP is carrying out an initiative entitled “The 21st Century Customs Framework" which will seek to address and improve many aspects of CBP's trade mission to better position the agency to operate in the 21st Century business environment. Below are the topics CBP is seeking public input on:

New Import Detention Order Targets Tuna Harvested with Forced Labor

Effective February 4, 2019, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has ordered the detention at all U.S. ports of entry of tuna and any such merchandise manufactured wholly or in part by the Tunago No. 61, which is a fishing vessel owned by Tunago Fishery Co., LTD a company located in Vanuatu. According to the CBP press release of February 6, 2019, importers of detained shipments are provided an opportunity to export their goods or demonstrate that they were not produced with forced labor. The Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1307) bans imports of merchandise or food produced in whole or at least in part by forced labor, including convict labor, forced child labor, and indentured labor.