Customs Consultation Washington D.C.

Exporters often find themselves caught between various policy initiatives, such as the strategic use of tariffs and trade agreements. A consultation can provide clarity on how these policies affect their specific goods, ensuring they understand the legal framework and its practical implications. Expert guidance helps businesses anticipate policy changes and adapt their strategies accordingly, from sourcing raw materials to final product shipment.

Tariffs can be applied differently depending on a product's material content and type, creating complex and often overlapping regulations. For example, Section 232 measures on steel and aluminum may apply concurrently with Section 301 retaliatory tariffs on goods from specific countries. Exporters must carefully separate product values by composition to avoid miscalculation and ensure correct duty payment. When goods fall under multiple tariff categories, CBP utilizes specific priority rules. For instance, automotive tariffs generally take precedence over general steel or aluminum tariffs. Recognizing this hierarchy is crucial for preventing double taxation and ensuring the correct duties are applied.

While Free Trade Agreements can significantly reduce or even eliminate base MFN (Most-Favored-Nation) duties, special measures like Section 232 tariffs often remain unaffected. Exporters should never assume that an FTA will eliminate all applicable duties. To claim FTA benefits, businesses must strictly adhere to complex rules of origin, which dictate the extent to which a product must be manufactured or transformed within the agreement's member countries. Origin is based on "substantial transformation," meaning a product must undergo a significant change in character or use to alter its country of origin. Exporters must meticulously document all processing steps to support these claims, as a single error can invalidate the duty-free status and lead to significant back-duties and penalties.

Precise HTSUS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States) classification is a critical component of customs compliance. Errors in classification can result in severe penalties, fines, and shipment holds. To gain certainty and avoid disputes, exporters can request advance rulings from CBP on classification and origin. This reduces the risk of non-compliance and helps businesses plan their pricing and contracts with greater clarity. Additionally, CBP conducts audits and post-entry reviews to verify the accuracy of declarations. Inaccuracies discovered during these reviews can trigger significant fines or the detention of goods. To mitigate these risks, exporters must maintain a comprehensive record of invoices, bills of materials, and certificates of origin for a minimum of five years, as required by law.

Tariffs and compliance issues directly influence a company's profitability, sourcing decisions, and overall market competitiveness. A single miscalculation or non-compliance event can lead to unexpected costs that erase profit margins on entire shipments. Beyond the financial penalties, businesses that fail to manage customs risks may face supply chain disruptions, damaged relationships with clients, and a tarnished reputation within the industry. Proactive consultation is therefore an investment in long-term business health and stability, ensuring that an exporter can operate smoothly and with confidence in the U.S. market.