International Trade Attorneys and Customs Compliance Lawyers
Importers and exporters need experienced customs attorneys to navigate CBP enforcement, tariff disputes, and trade compliance requirements. OFW Law’s Washington DC team has decades of experience representing clients before CBP, ITC, and WTO while identifying lawful duty savings opportunities.
Importers, exporters, and manufacturers need experienced customs attorneys to navigate CBP enforcement proceedings, tariff disputes, and trade compliance requirements. OFW Law’s Washington DC international trade attorneys have decades of experience representing clients before Customs and Border Protection, the International Trade Commission, and the World Trade Organization while identifying opportunities for lawful duty savings.
Our Customs & Trade Legal Services
CBP Enforcement Defense & Prior Disclosure
Represent importers in CBP enforcement proceedings including detentions, seizures, and penalties. We have successfully resolved numerous enforcement matters and resolved liability for importer error via the prior disclosure process, recouping substantial refunds through administrative protest and litigation.
- CBP detention and seizure defense
- Penalty proceeding representation
- Prior disclosure submissions
- Administrative protest preparation
- Court of International Trade litigation
Tariff Classification & Valuation Guidance
Provide advice and guidance on tariff classification and valuation issues to help clients stay compliant with U.S. laws while identifying opportunities for lawful duty savings. We vigorously represent clients when disagreements arise with CBP.
- Tariff classification analysis
- Customs valuation compliance
- Duty savings identification
- Classification dispute resolution
- Binding ruling guidance
Country of Origin & Special Tariff Provisions
Advise on country of origin determinations, quota compliance, intellectual property rights, and special tariff provisions for import-related matters affecting duty treatment and regulatory compliance.
- Country of origin determinations
- Quota compliance guidance
- Intellectual property rights matters
- Special tariff provision qualification
- Free trade agreement compliance
Forced Labor & UFLPA Compliance
Highly experienced in advising and representing foreign exporters and U.S. importers on all aspects of compliance and enforcement in the forced labor and UFLPA area. We have successfully obtained the complete modification (lifting) of four major U.S. forced labor enforcement actions (WROs/Findings) to date.
- UFLPA compliance counseling
- Forced labor enforcement defense
- WRO modification proceedings
- Supply chain due diligence
- CBP detention response for forced labor
Antidumping & Countervailing Duty Proceedings
Represent interested parties in ITC and ITA investigations under antidumping and countervailing duty statutes, safeguard actions under Section 201, and USTR enforcement proceedings under Section 301 of the Tariff Act of 1930.
- ITC investigation representation
- ITA administrative review participation
- Section 201 safeguard proceedings
- Section 301 enforcement matters
- AD/CVD scope determinations
WTO & International Trade Agreement Matters
Deep experience representing commercial interests on World Trade Organization matters and in all stages of WTO dispute settlement proceedings. We advise on Free Trade Agreement and international agreement negotiation, compliance, and dispute resolution.
- WTO dispute settlement representation
- Free Trade Agreement compliance
- International agreement negotiation
- Trade policy advocacy
- Dispute resolution counseling
Why Choose OFW Law for Customs & Trade Matters
Proven Track Record in CBP Enforcement
Our customs attorneys have successfully resolved numerous CBP enforcement proceedings including detentions, seizures, and penalties. We have recouped substantial refunds for clients via administrative protest and litigation at the Court of International Trade and Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Washington DC Location Advantage
Based in Washington DC with direct access to CBP headquarters, ITC offices, ITA officials, and USTR decision-makers. This proximity enables more effective representation in enforcement matters and trade policy advocacy.
Forced Labor Compliance Expertise
Highly experienced in UFLPA and forced labor matters, with a proven track record of successfully obtaining the complete modification (lifting) of four major U.S. forced labor enforcement actions (WROs/Findings) to date.
Full-Service International Trade Representation
From CBP enforcement defense to ITC investigations, WTO dispute settlement, and Free Trade Agreement compliance, our team handles all aspects of international trade law affecting importers, exporters, and commercial interests.
Meet Our Team
Industries We Represent in Customs & Trade Matters
While we primarily serve clients in the food, drug, agriculture, cosmetic, and medical device industries, we have represented clients across many sectors in customs and trade matters.
Primary Industries
- Food and Beverage
- Pharmaceuticals and Drugs
- Agriculture and Agribusiness
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Medical Devices
Additional Industries
- Metals and Raw Materials
- Machinery and Equipment
- Apparel and Footwear
- Furniture and Home Goods
- Textiles
Discuss Your Customs or Trade Matter
OFW Law’s Washington DC attorneys represent importers and exporters in CBP enforcement proceedings, tariff disputes, forced labor compliance, and international trade investigations before ITC, ITA, and WTO.
FOCUS AREAS
- Forced Labor and UFLPA
- Entry of Experimental Pharmaceutical Products and Investigational New Drugs
- CBP Compliance: Tariff Classification, Valuation, Country of Origin/Marking, Quota, Free Trade Agreements, CBP Rulings, Broker Compliance, CTPAT, FTZs and Bonded Facilities
- CBP Enforcement: CF 28s and 29s, Audits, Detentions, Seizures, Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures, Liquidated Damages, Prior Disclosures, CBP Protests, CIT/CAFC Litigation
Faqs About Customs and Trade Compliance
What does a customs and trade compliance attorney do?
A customs and trade compliance attorney advises importers and exporters on federal trade requirements and represents them in enforcement proceedings before U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the International Trade Commission (ITC), and related agencies. Core services include tariff classification analysis under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), customs valuation review, country of origin determinations, and forced labor compliance under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA).
For companies under active enforcement scrutiny – whether facing a CF-28 inquiry, a detention notice, or penalty proceedings – legal counsel manages the response timeline and builds the evidentiary record needed to reduce or eliminate liability. Attorneys also identify lawful duty savings opportunities through binding rulings, prior disclosure submissions, and administrative protest.
If your company regularly imports goods subject to CBP review or has received agency correspondence, an OFW Law customs and trade attorney can assess your exposure and recommend a compliance strategy matched to your supply chain.
What is a CBP Form 28 or Form 29 notice?
CBP Form 28 (Request for Information) and CBP Form 29 (Notice of Action) are formal enforcement documents issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection under 19 C.F.R. Parts 151 and 162. A CF-28 requests that the importer provide additional documentation to support a tariff classification, valuation, or country of origin claim. A CF-29 notifies the importer that CBP has taken or intends to take an action – such as reclassifying goods to a higher duty rate or applying additional tariffs – that affects the entry.
Both forms carry firm response deadlines. A CF-28 typically allows 30 days for the importer to respond, though CBP may set shorter windows under active enforcement priorities such as IEEPA or Section 232 tariff reviews. Failure to respond adequately can result in liquidated damages, penalty proceedings, or adverse classification decisions that increase duty liability across future shipments.
OFW Law’s attorneys have recent, direct experience responding to CF-28 and CF-29 enforcement correspondence across steel, aluminum, and IEEPA-related entries. Learn more in our post on what importers are seeing now on CF-28 and CF-29 enforcement.
How do I respond to a CBP import detention?
A CBP import detention occurs when Customs withholds release of goods pending examination, documentation review, or enforcement action under 19 U.S.C. § 1499. CBP is required to make an admissibility determination within 30 days of detention, or the goods are deemed excluded. An exclusion triggers formal protest rights and, if necessary, litigation at the Court of International Trade.
The importer’s response window is narrow. Priority actions include identifying the legal basis for the detention (forced labor, tariff classification, country of origin, or general examination), assembling documentation that directly addresses CBP’s stated concern, and submitting a written response that frames the evidentiary record before an exclusion order is issued. Poorly structured responses – or no response at all – accelerate adverse action.
For a detailed walkthrough of what importers should do when CBP detains a shipment, read our guide: U.S. Customs Detained My Goods: What Importers Need to Know. If you have received a detention notice, contact OFW Law immediately to protect your response timeline.
What is UFLPA forced labor compliance for importers?
The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), signed into law in June 2022 (Pub. L. 117-78), establishes a rebuttable presumption that goods mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region – or by entities on the UFLPA Entity List – are made with forced labor and are therefore prohibited from entry into the United States under 19 U.S.C. § 1307.
To rebut the presumption and obtain release of detained goods, the importer must provide clear and convincing evidence that: (1) the goods were not produced with forced labor, (2) the goods did not originate in Xinjiang or involve a listed entity, and (3) the importer has responded fully to CBP’s requests for information. The evidentiary standard is demanding – supply chain tracing documentation, third-party audit reports, and supplier certifications are typically required.
OFW Law has successfully obtained the complete modification – including the lifting – of four major U.S. forced labor enforcement actions (WROs and Findings) to date. For background on UFLPA Entity List updates affecting importers, read: UFLPA Entity List Update: What Importers Need to Know.
How does antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) affect my business?
Antidumping (AD) duties are imposed on imported goods sold in the United States at less than fair market value, as determined by the Department of Commerce International Trade Administration (ITA) under 19 U.S.C. § 1673. Countervailing duties (CVD) are imposed when a foreign government subsidizes goods exported to the U.S. in ways that harm domestic industry under 19 U.S.C. § 1671. Injury to domestic industry is determined by the International Trade Commission (ITC).
For importers, AD/CVD orders create significant financial exposure. Duties are assessed at rates that can reach several hundred percent of the product’s customs value, and importers remain liable for retroactive duty deposits during administrative reviews. Scope determinations – which decide whether a specific product is covered by an existing AD/CVD order – are frequently contested and require detailed technical and legal submissions to Commerce.
OFW Law represents interested parties in ITC and ITA investigations, Section 201 safeguard proceedings, and AD/CVD scope determinations. If your products are subject to an existing order or you are facing an active investigation, contact our team to discuss your exposure and available defenses.
Can OFW Law help with tariff classification disputes?
OFW Law’s customs attorneys provide tariff classification analysis under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and represent importers in classification disputes with CBP at all stages – from responding to CF-28 requests to filing administrative protests under 19 U.S.C. § 1514 and, if necessary, litigating at the Court of International Trade (CIT) and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC).
Classification directly determines the duty rate applied to every shipment. A one-chapter reclassification can increase effective duty rates by 10 to 20 percentage points or more – and CBP reclassification decisions typically apply prospectively to all future entries of the same goods. Binding ruling requests under 19 C.F.R. Part 177 provide advance classification certainty and can be an effective tool for companies importing novel or complex products.
Importers facing classification uncertainty, active CBP inquiries, or adverse CF-29 notices on duty rates should seek legal review before liquidation. Contact OFW Law to request a classification analysis for your products.
What does a customs attorney do for importers and exporters?
Customs attorneys provide advice on import-related issues such as tariff classification, valuation, country of origin, quota, intellectual property rights, and special tariff provisions. They represent clients in CBP enforcement proceedings, administrative protests, and litigation when disputes arise.
When should I hire an international trade lawyer?
Consider hiring an international trade lawyer when facing CBP detentions or seizures, addressing tariff classification uncertainties, responding to forced labor enforcement actions, participating in ITC or ITA investigations, or seeking to identify lawful duty savings opportunities through compliance review.
What is prior disclosure and when should it be used?
Prior disclosure is a process that allows importers to report errors to CBP before the agency discovers them independently. This process can resolve liability for importer error and may result in reduced or eliminated penalties when handled properly with legal counsel.
Can customs attorneys help with UFLPA and forced labor compliance?
Yes. Customs attorneys advise foreign exporters and U.S. importers on forced labor compliance and enforcement matters under UFLPA. Experienced counsel can represent clients in seeking modification or lifting of Withhold Release Orders (WROs) and other forced labor enforcement actions.
What agencies do customs attorneys work with?
Customs attorneys work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the International Trade Commission (ITC), the International Trade Administration (ITA), the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and represent clients in World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement proceedings.
How can I recover duties paid in error?
Importers can recover duties paid in error through the administrative protest process filed with CBP. If administrative resolution is unsuccessful, importers may pursue litigation at the Court of International Trade and, if necessary, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.