Legal Blog

A bona fide sale refers to a legitimate transaction between a buyer and a seller involving the transfer of ownership of goods for consideration, typically money. To qualify as bona fide, the transaction must reflect a true transfer of goods and not just an internal transfer between related parties or entities. CBP examines the terms of the sale to confirm it meets these criteria, considering factors like purchase orders, contracts, and payment terms.

For U.S. businesses, the agreement includes changes affecting tariffs, agricultural exports, rare earth materials, and technology trade. Companies that import from or export to China may see adjustments in costs, trade rules, or licensing requirements and should review how the new measures apply to their operations.

Rules of origin play a critical role in international trade because duties, exemptions, and restrictions often depend on where a product is deemed to have originated. Our firm can help businesses like yours comply with these regulations and maximize potential trade benefits.

Buying counterfeit goods—even for personal use—is illegal and can lead to serious consequences. CBP may seize your purchase, issue hefty penalties, and even revoke Trusted Traveler privileges. Learn how these cases unfold and why having experienced legal guidance can make all the difference.

In today’s global economy, foreign investment helps fuel innovation and business growth in the United States. However, when an investment involves sensitive sectors such as defense, infrastructure, or advanced technology, national security concerns may arise. To address these issues, the U.S. government relies on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

International trade agreements, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements, come with specific rules of origin that determine whether a product qualifies for preferential treatment under the agreement. For importers and exporters, understanding these rules is essential for minimizing tariffs and ensuring compliance with trade regulations.

Ensuring your goods are valued correctly not only helps avoid penalties but also ensures compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations.

Determining the correct country of origin for imported goods is crucial for compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. The country of origin affects duties, tariffs, and even the legality of importing certain products. Incorrectly declaring the country of origin can lead to significant fines and penalties, making it important for importers to fully understand and comply with the rules governing origin determinations.

At our firm, we don't do one-size-fits-all. We tailor our services to fit the unique challenges and opportunities our clients are facing.

Importing goods into the United States is a critical step for many businesses, but it can quickly become overwhelming if you aren’t familiar with the rules. We can help importers cut through the complexity and avoid costly mistakes.

Attorney generals across the United States are taking aggressive steps against unauthorized and flavored e-cigarettes. Understanding these actions is critical for protecting your business.

Executive Order 14324 ends duty-free de minimis entry, changing how postal and non-postal shipments are treated. Importers, carriers, and sellers now face new filing, duty, and compliance requirements. We can help businesses navigate these changes, avoid costly mistakes, and update processes to stay compliant. Contact us to protect your operations under the new rules.

With de minimis treatment ending on August 29, 2025, all shipments will now be subject to duties. Importers, sellers, and carriers face higher costs and new compliance burdens. We help businesses address CBP enforcement, tariff matters, and changing rules so they can stay prepared for the unexpected.

When it comes to importing goods into the United States, the consequences of making a mistake or being accused of wrongdoing can be severe. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces a wide range of laws designed to ensure compliance with import regulations, proper payment of duties, and truthful reporting of information. Whether the violation is based on fraud, gross negligence, or negligence, the financial penalties can be significant enough to disrupt your business

If you have received a “Responsibly Connected” letter from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), it’s important to take it seriously. This notice relates to the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and signals that USDA believes you may be legally tied to a business that has violated PACA, often due to unpaid produce debts.

The Trade Violations Reporting (TVR) Tool is a resource for both importers and exporters seeking to maintain compliance with CBP regulations. The TVR Tool offers multiple reporting portals, each aimed at different types of violations.

FDA wants to cap nicotine in cigarettes and vape products could be next, and time is running out for you to have your voice heard. We’re here to help ensure that your business thrives in this rapidly changing regulatory landscape.

On July 7, 2025, the White House announced that the tariff pause granted to 14 U.S. trading partners will expire on August 1. These countries had originally been assigned steep reciprocal tariffs in April under the “Liberation Day” tariff program, which was introduced under Executive Order 14257. Those rates were temporarily suspended under Executive Order 14266, replaced by a uniform 10% tariff. With the release of Executive Order 14316, that grace period is now coming to an

With vape products coming almost entirely from China, ongoing tariffs are increasing costs and creating supply chain challenges for the U.S. vape industry. We’re here to help ensure that your business thrives in this rapidly changing regulatory landscape.

In April, Managing Attorney Deanna Clark, Esq. spoke at Coverings 2025 on the “Liberation Day” tariffs introduced by the Trump Administration, the 90-day pause (excluding Chinese goods), and what these changes mean for your business, imports, and compliance strategy.