Fashion Importer To Pay $118M to Customs in Undervalue Scheme

Federal prosecutors charged a Fashion District clothing importer in undervaluing imported garments and avoiding paying millions of dollars in duties to the United States. 

Considered a Customs fraud scheme, this Los Angeles fashion importer imported clothing from countries in Asia and used fraudulent invoices for their customs entries into the United States that undervalued the shipments and avoided paying the full amount of tariffs owed on the imports.

This company undervalued imports by about $82.6 million and failed to pay more than $17.1 million in tariffs. In their plea agreement, the importer agreed to pay U.S. Customs and Border Protection a total of $18.42 million, which includes the unpaid tariffs and interest accrued through 2014. 

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Crane Worldwide recommends that importers go through a thorough assessment of their Harmonized Tariff Classifications and invoice contents via an Importer Assessment to ensure compliance with Customs regulations.

For information on how to schedule an assessment, please contact CWTSConsulting@craneww.com