• Protest

If you have been in the import business for awhile you probably know that you can protest decisions made by Customs. For example, if Customs liquidated your goods at a higher duty. Or, if Customs classified your goods differently than you did resulting in a higher duty. You can protest these decisions. Most protests involve valuation or classification issues, but there are many different matters that are subject to protest. Tom O'Leary can file protests at any port on your behalf. Contact Tom or send an e-mail for more information.

• Petitions

A petition is to contest a Custom's decision to fine or penalize an importer or Customs Broker for some unlawful activity or error. This is slightly different than a protest in that Customs has decided someone did something wrong. Not just a simple disagreement. An example may be if a passenger returned from a trip abroad but did not declare something, or if you are importing something that is a violation of some law. If Customs has contacted you and informed you that they believe you have committed an error, or they have informed you of their intent to issue a penalty or fine, you may want to contact Tom O'Leary immediately. There are many deadlines in order to properly represent an importer or Customs Broker.

If you need more information about any of these topics or about anything that is not listed, please contact us.