Relief under the Dumping or Countervailing Duty Laws, or reliance on Sections 201, 301 or 337 of the Tariff Act, represent the primary vehicles available to companies that believe their ability to distribute their products is being hampered by unfair price competition or market distorting practices. Whether a petitioner or a respondent, we represent companies in trade disputes in an effort to ensure a level trading field for the distribution of goods and services. Call Smith & Garg today for a consultation!

Country of origin determinations, marking, and the applicability of quotas are three of the most significant admissibility issues which importers must address before they import their merchandise into the United States. We evaluate companies' products, production processes and sourcing patterns to ensure that all origins, markings, and quota applications are properly determined so that appropriate planning decisions can be made and imported merchandise is not unduly detained. Call Smith & Garg today for a consultation!

Besides the Customs laws, imported merchandise must satisfy the requirements of a host of other Federal Agencies. From the Food & Drug Administration to the Consumer Products Safety Commission to the Federal Trade Commission, we assist companies in maintaining compliance with all regulatory requirements applicable to their goods. Call Smith & Garg today for a consultation!

Often, a determination as to the rules governing a company's imports/exports hinges on an interpretation of federal law and/or regulation. In those instances, through the submission of ruling requests, requests for internal advice, protests, or responses to Requests for Information or other communication, we advocate our clients' positions before the affected federal agency. We also represent the interests of our clients in any penalty or other administrative action which may have been initiated by the Government. Call Smith & Garg today for a consultation!

Although restraints on exports have been relaxed, a wide range of products must still be approved by the U.S. Government before they are permitted to be exported from the United States. We assist companies in determining the level of control applicable to their merchandise, and in assessing the need to obtain advance licensing and/or include protective statements and controls on the movement of their goods worldwide. Call Smith & Garg today for a consultation!

U.S. law places extreme restrictions on the ability of companies to provide monetary contributions or compensation to foreign governments or to participate in boycotts of other countries' products and/or services. We review companies' current operations, and evaluate their interaction with suppliers, vendors, customers, and such governments, to ensure that no violations of these laws are occurring. Call Smith & Garg today for a consultation!

The best practices are demonstrated by those companies that have developed specific procedures, manuals and on-going compliance programs for evaluating and monitoring their import/export operations. We work with companies to create documented policies and procedures and written guidelines concerning their import/export practices. We also conduct internal reviews of companies' current procedures to ensure that they are in compliance with all legal requirements. Call Smith & Garg today for a consultation!

Although often underutilized programs, duty drawback is one of the primary money-saving techniques available to companies involved in two-way trade with the United States. We have a sophisticated staff of attorneys and other trade professionals who are dedicated to the provision of drawback-related services, whether conducted in conjunction with company personnel or on an outsourced basis. Call Smith & Garg today for a consultation!

As an alternative to the refund of duties previously paid, many companies have discovered the duty savings to be realized by either admitting their merchandise directly into foreign-trade zones or entering merchandise into bonded warehouses, or by utilizing temporary import procedures. Our practice in this area is extensive, from assessing the feasibility of utilizing one of these duty deferral mechanisms to assisting in the implementation, review and monitoring of on-going compliance with the exacting requirements of these programs.

Call Smith & Garg, LLC at 281-210-0010 or complete our contact form.