19 U.S.C. 1514, Protests Against Decisions of Customs Services, outlines the legal means by which interested parties can contest U.S. CBP decisions pertaining to imported merchandise. Disputes can be filed by importers, brokers, or attorneys within 180 days of liquidation, usually with CBP Form 19. Star USA helps clients successfully craft and submit protests to customs authority decisions.

Reconciliation is the means by which importers can file entry summaries with estimates using reasonable care and the best information available at the time. All parties understand some elements like declared value aren't 100 percent confirmed and could change. Two main challenges are: Obtaining approval to enter the Reconciliation program and then carrying out the process.Our experienced import experts helps clients with both.

Customs rulings pursuant to 19 C.F.R. Part 177 are binding administrative decisions made by the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) addressing customs-related matters, such as U.S. tariff classification, marking, and valuation. Customs rulings can be prospective and in response to specific requests. They reveal how the CBP will treat a good or conveyance once imported to the U.S. Star USA helps clients navigate and advocate their responses to customs rulings.

Prior Disclosure, as outlined in 19 C.F.R. § 162.74, is the legal process for proactively addressing and resolving certain import errors and violations of customs law. Companies are expected to use reasonable care in importing. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines and serious penalties. Star USA helps clients recognize, plan, and resolve these errors by coordinating your internal resources and legal counsel and connecting with the Customs Commissioner and the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Port Officers.

Star USA offers import compliance consulting services to help clients reduce regulatory exposure and unnecessary costs while optimizing trade activities, exerting control over their processes and seizing competitive advantages.

"Big Data" is a broad category of data or datasets created with advanced technologies that allow companies to easily spot compliance errors, supply chain inefficiencies, or systems of record inaccuracies. Such problems can undermine operations and profits. Effective use of Big Data with Star USA's import compliance training & consulting can help optimize business performance and outputs by identifying and addressing issues lurking in plain sight.

The Customs Valuation Agreement of the World Trade Organization details the fair, uniform, neutral, predictable system for determining the value of imported goods upon which customs officials levy duties. This system prohibits using arbitrary or fictitious customs values. Star USA helps import customers better understand the process and minimizes risk with accurate, well-planned valuation procedures that ensure customs compliance.

Star USA teams and tooling help clients stay ahead of the curve and allow for end-to-end Free Trade Agreement support and management. FTAs are intended to reduce trade barriers and create a more transparent, predictable trading & investment environment. However, the reality is they can vary a great deal and the legal landscape surrounding them is ever-changing. We keep pace with all the latest developments so you stay competitive.

A duty drawback is basically a refund of U.S. Customs duties, taxes, and fees paid on imported items that are later matched with items exported or destroyed. Annually, more than $2 billion in customs refunds goes unclaimed. Star USA helps clients determine current qualification for duty drawbacks, as well as set up and manage long-term monitoring plans.