Description

Customs valuation plays a critical role in determining duty liability. From choosing the right valuation method to understanding what can and cannot be included in the dutiable value, small missteps can lead to overpayments, audits, and enforcement exposure. This webinar provides a practical overview of customs valuation to help importers get it right and avoid paying more than the law requires.

With the Trump Administration’s June 3, 2026 Executive Order 14411 directing heightened customs enforcement and greater scrutiny of importers of record, accurate valuation and defensible documentation are more important than ever. As CBP moves toward heightened due diligence expectations for customs brokers and the importers they represent, importers should be prepared to substantiate declared values, explain their transaction structures, and provide supporting records.

Our presenters walk through core valuation concepts, clarify common misconceptions, and explain how importers can lawfully structure transactions and documentation to support accurate, defensible dutiable values. They also discuss how the evolving enforcement environment may affect valuation reviews, broker-importer relationships, and compliance responsibilities.

In this webinar, presenters cover:

  • Customs Valuation 101: how CBP determines dutiable value
  • Incoterms 101: how shipping terms affect valuation and duty exposure
  • What DDP is (and what it is not), including common compliance misunderstandings
  • Legitimate reductions to dutiable value versus costs that must be included
  • Frequent valuation mistakes that lead to overpayment or compliance risk
  • How to identify lawful opportunities to lower dutiable value
  • Best practices for documentation
  • How Executive Order 14411 and CBP’s heightened enforcement priorities may affect customs valuation compliance
  • What importers and customs brokers should be prepared to substantiate regarding declared values, transaction structures, and supporting documentation
  • How increased broker due diligence and importer-vetting expectations may affect the information importers must provide to their customs brokers
  • Practical steps to identify valuation discrepancies, strengthen internal controls, and prepare for increased CBP scrutiny

Presenters:

  • Jennifer Diaz, President, Diaz Trade Law
  • Dana Watts, Of Counsel, Diaz Trade Law

Who should watch:

  • Importers
  • Manufacturers
  • Customs Brokers
  • Regulatory Affairs Professionals
  • In-house Legal Counsel
  • Product Development Managers
  • Others interested in Customs Compliance