Customs

To assist our clients with their management of their import business, Cohen & Grigsby’s Customs Group has wide-ranging experience in and a depth of understanding of customs and civil and criminal investigatory matters.  In anticipation of our clients’ needs, the Customs Group also includes a customs consultant on staff, a valuable resource for clients.  

• Represent clients in responding to routine and investigatory inquiries by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (“CBP”)
• Assist clients in structuring import activities to comply with U.S. Customs (CBP) laws while minimizing duties
• Review import procedures and develop a comprehensive customs import compliance manual and an internal compliance program tailored to a client’s specific importing requirements
• Conduct C-TPAT security reviews and develop C-TPAT security profiles tailored to client’s needs
• Consult with importers on special trade and customs programs including NAFTA, C-TPAT, bonded warehouses, TIB, application of Section 201 sanctions, quota/visa, etc.
• Consult with importers on specific compliance issues including, where appropriate, submission of “prior disclosures”
• Prepare binding ruling requests
• Represent clients in seizure and liquidated damage proceedings
• Assist clients in resolving import issues at the port of entry
• Consult importers on ADD/CVD requirements, textile visa/quota requirements, category specifications, classification and appraisement, compliance issues, and shipping requirements
• Consult in all areas of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (GRIs, Chapters 1-99
• Consult on the Customs Modernization Act, informed compliance and “reasonable care”
• Consult on civil and criminal violations in all areas of U.S. Customs law:  commercial fraud (country of origin issues, ADD/CVD violations, counterfeiting, trademark and copyright infringements, etc.), export violations (Department of State and Department of Commerce license violations), smuggling, currency violations (money laundering, import and export of undeclared currency)
• Consult on all aspects of district/port operations – inspectional, commercial operations and criminal investigations
• Assist clients in preparation for Focused Assessment Audits
• Advise clients on whether to export directly to foreign customers, use an intermediary sales representative or distributor, or establish a foreign branch, taking into account U.S. and foreign tax laws as well as applicable treaties
• Advise clients on their export control compliance obligations under the U.S. Export Control Regulations and Foreign Assets Control Regulations and assist clients in developing internal export compliance programs
• Advise clients on specific programs available to stimulate U.S. exports, e.g. Overseas Private Investment Corporation financing and insurance