Investigation Archives | Customs & International Trade Law Blog

Will President Trump Impose New Tariffs on Imported Vehicles?

Under the direction of President Trump, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross has initiated an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended. “The investigation will determine whether imports of automobiles, including SUVs, vans and light trucks, and automotive parts into the United States threaten to impair the national security as defined in Section 232.”

What are the Section 232 Investigations? […]

By Jennifer Diaz|2021-11-03T15:25:51-04:00May 30, 2018|Best Practices, Import, International Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Vehicles|2 Comments

Essential Oils Company to Pay $760K for Lacey Act Violations

The Justice Department announced YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS, L.C., (the Company), headquartered in Lehi, Utah, plead guilty in federal court to federal misdemeanor charges regarding its illegal trafficking of rosewood oil and spikenard oil in violation of the Lacey Act and the Endangered Species Act. […]

By Jennifer Diaz|2021-11-09T13:37:29-05:00September 25, 2017|Best Practices, Investigation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)|2 Comments

Florida Companies Convicted and Sentenced

In another example of the government's continuing use of the criminal justice system to enforce international trade laws, three Florida companies and their management were recently convicted and sentenced for importing smuggled toys from China containing lead and containing counterfeit trademarks.

By Jennifer Diaz|2021-11-10T14:17:22-05:00June 24, 2013|Best Practices, Counterfeits, Import, Investigation, IPR, Trademarks and Logos, Seizures, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)|Comments Off

TSA and Pepper Spray – A Story of What NOT to Do

Our beloved Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the responsibility of screening passengers to "ensure that certain items and persons prohibited from flying don't board commercial airliners." This is accomplished through 43,00 Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) located at 450 airports around the United States. For me, while I am waiting in line to be screened, there seems always to be one energetic TSO screaming at my fellow passengers to take our shoes off, remove most liquids, take our belts off, take out our laptops, etc.. it is hard to remember that the official Mission of the TSA is to "protect the Nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce." I do have one funny story to tell you about the TSA and a certain passenger.

By Jennifer Diaz|2011-08-14T09:57:21-04:00August 14, 2011|Investigation, U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA)|1 Comment

Is Your Company Under Investigation by the Federal Government?

Every year, the numerous agencies of the United States Government send out letters to companies putting them on notice that the company is suspected of committing some serious violation. Usually, the letter or notice demands a written response within 30 days or the company will be subject to a penalty or fine. Knowing how to handle such letters, notices, or subpoenas is critical in terminating the investigation successfully, not paying a huge penalty, and even avoiding criminal prosecution.

By Jennifer Diaz|2011-01-19T21:34:05-05:00January 19, 2011|Import, Investigation|1 Comment