Start with the notice and the deadline
A CBP detention, seizure and forfeiture are different procedural stages. Keep the complete notice, envelope and date received. We review the stated grounds and available response routes, which may involve supplying records, release discussions, a petition for relief or a supplemental petition. Re-export, abandonment or destruction must also comply with the applicable procedure.
Customs bonds and importer responsibility
A customs bond secures obligations to the government; its amount is different from the premium paid to a surety. We review single-entry and continuous bond arrangements, insufficiency notices, renewal or refusal, collateral and letters of credit, and liabilities tied to earlier imports. CBP’s published starting point for a continuous import bond is generally the greater of $50,000 or 10% of duties, taxes and fees paid over the prior 12 months, subject to adjustment.
The Importer of Record remains responsible for its obligations even when a broker files entries. Our review can address nonresident importer arrangements, importer numbers, Form 5106, powers of attorney, recordkeeping and the risks of using another company’s importer identity.
AD/CVD and supply-chain evidence
Antidumping and countervailing duty exposure requires reading the Commerce Department order’s scope alongside product, producer and origin facts. An HTS code alone does not settle scope. Cash deposits, liquidation and possible additional duties can also affect bond requirements. Commerce scope determinations and CBP entry enforcement are distinct functions.
For UFLPA matters, we help organize traceability from raw materials through production, purchasing, payment and shipping. Relevant entities, production locations and shipment records must be reconciled with the applicable requirements. A supplier declaration alone may not establish an adequate evidentiary record.
Intellectual property, valuation and origin
Trademark and copyright seizures can require examination of the goods, markings, sourcing and authorization chain, including counterfeit allegations or certain parallel-import disputes. Related U.S. intellectual property litigation may also need to be considered.
Valuation review can involve related-party transactions, assists, royalties and other payments. Origin depends on the relevant production facts and rules, not simply the shipping or transshipment location. Contracts, invoices, production records, labels and entry information should tell a consistent story.
Penalties, liquidated damages and investigations
We assess notices of penalties, bond-related liquidated damages and potential exposure under provisions such as 19 U.S.C. § 1592. Prior disclosure has substantive and timing requirements; it does not automatically eliminate all liability. When CBP or HSI seeks information, preserve records and assess the administrative, civil and possible criminal implications before deciding how to respond.
Who can contact us
Importers, exporters, manufacturers, cross-border sellers, Amazon merchants, warehouses and logistics businesses can request an initial review. Federal customs matters involving ports nationwide are subject to the requirements of the particular agency or proceeding. This does not imply admission in every state or court; local counsel may be needed.
Prepare for a consultation
Provide the complete notice and receipt date, port and shipment status, bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, entry documents, importer and broker details, and bond or surety correspondence. We identify deadlines, review evidence, confirm the proposed engagement and fees, and develop an appropriate response plan. Do not include passwords or complete identity-document numbers in an initial message.
Common questions
Does a bond guarantee release? No. A bond does not replace admissibility, accurate reporting or other release requirements.
Can counsel work with our broker? Yes, subject to the agreed engagement. Brokerage operations and legal remedies or investigations involve different responsibilities.
Must every record be ready first? No. Start with the notice and nearest deadline, then arrange the remaining records.
Can a result be guaranteed? No. Release and relief depend on the facts, evidence, applicable rules and agency decisions.
Official reference
CBP: obtaining a customs bond. The applicable notice and current agency requirements should be checked for each matter.
Commerce: AD/CVD frequently asked questions; CBP: updated forced-labor enforcement guidance.