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Penalties Program

CBP Trade enforces law by targeting and penalizing lawbreakers through monetary penalties and legal action. Unfair, unsafe, or illicit trade practice is not tolerated within U.S. supply chains.

The goal of the Penalties Program is to ensure that penalties are effective in deterring noncompliance. This requires national direction and uniformity among the 326 ports of entry and 42 Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures field offices, as well as the use of appropriate compliance alternatives and a focus on violations involving Priority Trade Issues.

The below referenced documents are intended to provide guidance and information to the trade community pertaining to petitions for relief, delegation of authority to decide petitions for relief, mitigation guidelines and customs administrative enforcement processes associated with fines, penalties, forfeitures and liquidated damages.

Customs Administrative Enforcement Process: Fines, Penalties, Forfeitures and Liquidated Damages

Delegations of Authority to Decide Petitions for Relief

Mitigation Guidelines: Fines, Penalties, Forfeitures and Liquidated Damages

Petitions for Relief: Seizures, Penalties and Liquidated Damages

 

Last Modified: May 14, 2020