Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 21:02:53 GMT Server: ApacheSSL-1.2.4/0.8.1 Last-Modified: Thu, 06 Feb 1997 23:16:34 GMT ETag: "4fd42-e95-32fa6652" Content-Length: 3733 Accept-Ranges: bytes Connection: close Content-Type: text/html Why a Customs Lawyer

Why a Customs and Trade Lawyer?

International Trade can be a complex process requiring the services of a number of skilled professionals.

International Bankers
International bankers provide financing and help arrange for letters of credit and similar instruments.

Customs Brokers
Customs Brokers are experts at filing Customs forms and facilitating entry.

Testing Laboratories
Testing Laboratories ensure that the imported merchandise complies with specifications.

Foreign Buying Agents
Foreign agents assists in locating sources of supply and in placing orders.

A Customs lawyer is equally important. Customs lawyers provide legal advice in a number of diverse areas, including:

Classification
Classification of merchandise is a critical part of the Customs lawyer's job. Classification controls a number of critical areas, including the rates of duty. In classifying merchandise, a Customs lawyer has two objectives, certainty as to the classification, and classification at a provision which is most beneficial to the importer.

Valuation
Valuation is the process whereby a value is assigned to an article. A customs lawyer, by working with the importer, can help to ensure that the merchandise is assigned the lowest legal value.

Marking
Articles imported into the United States must be properly marked with the country of origin. The Customs lawyer can assist in determining whether the origin marking is correct and also help determine which country is the proper country of origin.

Import Restrictions
Customs lawyers can assist importers in complying with numerous complex federal regulations, imposed by a variety of federal agencies. If the importer fails to comply with these regulations, the products can be delayed or even seized. Importers are not always aware of the various agencies which can take an interest in their goods. (For example, the FDA is interested in ceramic ware which can be used for food.)

Trade Policy
Customs lawyers are constantly monitoring ongoing developments and changes to U.S. Trade policy. If the Customs lawyer has a client who could be affected by such a possible change, than the lawyer will be able to provide advance warning to the client.

How Do I Find a Customs and Trade Lawyer?

There are comparatively few lawyers in the U.S. with experience in representing clients before both the United States Court of International Trade and the U.S. Customs Service. Riggle and Craven and its affiliated firm Galvin and Mlawski have such experience, and in fact, concentrate their practice in this area. If you have any questions, please contact us by e-mail or at the locations listed below.

Riggle and Craven
19 South LaSalle Street #601
Chicago, IL 60603
312\368-8787 (Tel.)
312\368-0939 (Fax)
Galvin andMlawski
440 Park Avenue South, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10016-8067
212\679-1500 (Tel.)
212\683-9619 (Fax)