Duty Protests

Save Money Through Customs Protests

The United States Customs And Border Protection is one component of the Department Of Homeland Security (DHS). It is responsible for facilitating and securing trade, travel, and imports to ensure the nation’s safety.

Trade compliance professionals often think about the high costs of non-compliance when it comes to customs laws. But, unfortunately, this penalty often evades the exporter and is the responsibility of the importer.

We focus our attention on complying with various laws and regulations by closely following the Federal Register to avoid costly fines and penalties. And rightly so!

But have you ever considered that there might be actual savings that can be achieved while pursuing compliance in the trade community? Welcome to the world of U.S. Customs Protests.

What Is A Protest?

Put your magic markers and cardboard away. For this type of protest, you don’t have to make a sign and take it to the streets. In the world of imports, a “protest” is a formal objection to certain types of official action taken by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) border patrol agents, typically located in the Washington, D.C. headquarters.

There are specific guidelines and timelines for filing protests with CBP that cannot be ignored. Further, there are limitations to the type of action that an importer may challenge in a protest.

If an importer disagrees with the classification of an item, they may challenge that classification by submitting a protest application for further review.

If Customs agrees with the filer, then the importer may be able to receive a refund for any overpayment of duties along with interest after the reliquidation process. (This is per 19 U.S.C. 1514, Protest Against Decisions of Customs Service.)

What Else Should I Know About Customs Protests?

Before you start adding up all the dollars you can save, keep in mind some helpful tips when considering to file a protest for import entries with CBP:

  • Protests require a careful review of both the HTS and the Customs Regulations (19 CFR) to determine if there is an opportunity, as well as for preparing any protests and the submission to CBP.
  • Protests may be filed electronically in the ACE Protest module or by paper submission at any CBP port of entry.
  • Protests are normally filed using CBP Form 19.
  • Within 180 days of liquidation, the importer, their broker, or another third-party expert can contest CBP decisions relating to imported merchandise with a protest under section 514 of the Tariff Act of 1930.

Need help? Schedule a No-Charge Consultation and let’s discuss what we can do for you.