Import Compliance

Import Compliance

Import compliance is crucial for businesses engaged in international trade, ensuring adherence to complex regulations and standards set by various governments. We assist companies in navigating the intricacies of customs laws, mitigating the risk of fines and penalties due to non-compliance. Additionally, we provide strategic advice on optimizing supply chain operations to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness. By leveraging our import compliance services, businesses can focus on their core operations while maintaining the integrity and legality of their international transactions. Our import compliance services include:

1. Navigating New Tariffs and Duties

• Tariff Strategy Development: Help clients analyze and mitigate the impact of potential new tariffs.

  Examples:

  • Using a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) or bonded warehouse
  • Applying for tariff exclusion, if applicable
  • Negotiating with customers to share the tariff burden
  • Reconfiguring the supply chain to avoid sourcing from countries affected by Section 301 or other special tariffs
  • Considering First Sales for Export when feasible to reduce tariff burden by decreasing the import values of goods

• Duty Drawback Programs: Assist in recovering duties paid on imported goods that are later exported.

  Examples:

  • Helping clients understand what duty drawback programs are
  • Helping clients assess if duty drawback is feasible

• Tariff Engineering: Advice on modifying products or supply chains to benefit from lower tariff classifications.

  Examples:

  • Helping clients understand what tariff engineering is.
  • Helping clients assess the feasibility of tariff engineering on imported goods and the potential benefits of implementation of such programs

2. Taking Advantages of Free Trade Agreements

• USMCA Compliance: Ensure compliance with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) amid potential renegotiations or stricter enforcement.

  Examples:

  • Helping clients understand the key provisions of the USMCA
  • Helping clients develop a compliance program for USMCA, including country of origin determination/analysis, preparation of Certificate of Country of Origin, best practices for recordkeeping

• Global Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): Monitor changes to FTAs and help clients align their operations with new requirements.

  Examples:

  • Helping clients understand the key provisions of FTAs relevant to their business
  • Helping clients determine their country of origin, preparing Certificates of Country of Origin, implementing best practices for recordkeeping, etc.

3. Trade Dispute Management

• Litigation Support: Assist clients in preparing for trade disputes resulting from tariff classifications or anti-dumping investigations.
• Professional Representation on Client’s behalf to reduce legal costs: Liaison with clients’ attorneys and government agencies, such as the CBP or BIS, for compliance inquiries.
• Classification Disputes: Represent clients in disputes over tariff classifications or valuation with customs authorities.
• Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties: Assist in managing investigations or compliance with duties imposed on imports.