Customs & Import Compliance

We advise importers, logistics firms, customs brokers and other companies on import and US Customs compliance. Our focus is minimizing duties and maximizing compliance. We help clients obtain business opportunities through trade preference programs under numerous US trade agreements. Our services include assistance with:

  • Classification of products and services, valuation, origin determinations, marking and duty drawback
  • Designing and implementing Customs and import compliance programs including training
  • Obtaining reduced tariffs under US trade preference programs, including the US-Mexico Canada Agreement, the Korea-US FTA, the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, the Central America FTA, and the US-Israel FTA
  • Applications to establish foreign trade zones, including related inventory control and Customs documentation
  • Representing companies in enforcement proceedings, prior voluntary disclosures and verifications, requests for binding rulings and focused assessment audits
  • Assisting company participation in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) to maximize benefits for clients under this critical program enhancing trade security

We help importers meet a full range of US Customs requirements to avoid severe penalties for non-compliance:

  • Customs and import compliance laws and regulations enforced by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and other federal and state agencies
  • National security laws and regulations
  • Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) requirements
  • Anti-money laundering
  • International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) compliance
  • Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) requirements and violations

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

Companies that import from overseas or export internationally are exposed to an increasingly large risk from corruption, bribery and extortion. This can result in inadvertent or unknowing violations of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) requirements, a legal tool used by the US Government to combat international crime and terrorism. A finding of FCPA non-compliance can bring major fines and penalties as well as significant damage to corporate reputation.

We offer comprehensive services for advising clients on a full range of FCPA requirements through:

  • Designing and implementing effective FCPA compliance programs
  • Representing clients in carrying out internal investigations or responding to government FCPA investigations of potential violations
  • Conducting due diligence on newly-acquired companies, joint venture partners and international agents to identify possible FCPA non-compliance
  • Defending clients against formal accusations by US Government agencies of violating FCPA requirements

Contact Us to Discuss How We Can Help You

Contact us to discuss how we can help you with your Customs compliance and FCPA challenges. We’re based in Washington, DC but serve clients throughout the country and internationally.

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