CBP Seized My Goods: What Happens Next and What Are My Options?
Receiving notice that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has seized your merchandise can bring an import transaction to an immediate halt. More importantly, a seizure means CBP believes there is a legal basis to take possession of the merchandise and potentially pursue forfeiture.
A CBP seizure is not the same as a routine delay or detention at the border. Once merchandise has been seized, importers face specific procedures and deadlines for challenging the seizure or requesting relief. How you respond can affect whether the goods are released, forfeited, or become the subject of additional enforcement action.
If CBP has seized your shipment, understanding why the goods were seized, what your Notice of Seizure says, and what options are available should be your first priorities.
Why Does CBP Seize Imported Goods?
CBP is responsible for enforcing hundreds of laws and regulations governing merchandise entering the United States. Merchandise may be seized when CBP determines that the goods were imported, entered, or introduced contrary to law.
Common reasons for CBP seizures include:
- Counterfeit goods and intellectual property rights violations;
- Prohibited or restricted merchandise;
- Undeclared or improperly declared merchandise;
- False statements concerning country of origin, value, classification, or other entry information;
- Attempts to evade customs duties;
- Certain violations involving antidumping […]
