Dulles CBP K9s Sniff $171K in Unreported Cash

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

With all the tariff news its easy to forget about CBP’s prowess in seizing cash from traveler’s for (real, perceived, or ginned-up) of the currency reporting requirements that obligate travelers arriving or leaving with more than $10,000 to accurately report it to CBP (on their own, before being asked or stopped!).

Thus, CBP at Dulles Aiport (IAD) was in the news 10 days ago touting the seizure of a total of $171,016 from 10 travelers from March 5 to April 10, with the aid of the K9 named “Fuzz” who alerted CBP to the presence of cash in 6 of those 10 money seizures.

STERLING, Va. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection currency detector dogs Fuzz and Cigy lent a paw in helping CBP officers detect and seize over $30,406 in unreported currency this weekend and $171,016 since March 5 at Washington Dulles International Airport from travelers who violated federal currency reporting laws.

Customs and Border Protection officers and canines continue to enforce currency reporting laws at Washington Dulles International Airport after seizing $171,016 in 10 incidents from March 5 through April 6, 2025.
K9 Fuzz is a four-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever trained to detect currency and firearms.

On Saturday, CBP officers seized $13,046 from a traveler departing to Brussels, Belgium, and on Sunday, CBP officers seized $17,360 from a traveler departing to Amman, Jordan, after currency detector dog Fuzz, a four-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever, alerted to bulk currency in the traveler’s possession.

These seizures follow a busy month of currency reporting violations in March in which CBP officers seized $140,610 collectively during eight incidents. In those cases, four travelers were departing to Accra, Ghana, two to Lagos, Nigeria, and two to Seoul, South Korea.

In six of these 10 seizures, CBP currency detector dogs Fuzz or Cigy, a 2-year-old male German shepherd mix, alerted CBP officers to the presence of bulk currency.

Unreported bulk currency may sometimes be the proceeds of illegal activity, such as financial fraud and money scams. Greed may also cause some travelers to smuggle unreported currency that they may have lawfully attained to shield it from family or business partners.

“Federal currency reporting laws help CBP combat illicit financial activity at our nation’s ports of entry, which contributes to the financial security of our nation and to the protection of our most vulnerable citizens from becoming unwitting victims of financial crime,” said Christine Waugh, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C. “CBP officers balance our homeland security mission with facilitating lawful international travel and our highly trained detector dogs help CBP officers to quickly find that proverbial unlawful needle in the haystack.”

Take Back Control of Your Money Today

Don’t let a failure to report cash to Customs ruin your travel plans or financial stability. At Great Lakes Customs Law, we understand the complexities and emotional stress that come with currency seizures. We have the experience and are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.

Act Now to Protect Your Cash

  1. Contact Us for a Free Consultation: Lets discuss your case and explore your legal options. We will listen to your story, understand your needs, and develop a tailored strategy to recover your seized money.
  2. Gather Your Documentation: Start collecting all relevant documents, such as bank statements and tax returns, to support your case. We will guide you on the best way to present this information.
  3. Stay Informed and Prepared: We will keep you updated on the progress of your case and provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions.

Don’t Delay – There is No Time to Waste

SMS/Text Msg Us  WhatsApp Chat

Every moment counts after a Customs cash seizure. Contact us immediately to take the first step towards resolving your case and reclaiming your money. Call us at (734) 855-4999 or fill out our online contact form to get started.

Trump Tariff Exemption: IEEPA and 50 USC 1702(b)(3)

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

There is an exemption to certain tariffs imposed by President Trump under authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

The law is 50 USC 1702(b), which exempts from duty the following:

information or informational materials, including but not limited to, publications, films, posters, phonograph records, photographs, microfilms, microfiche, tapes, compact disks, CD ROMs, artworks, and news wire feeds.

These exceptions have found their way into the HTSUS. CBP explains it as follows:

Headings 9903.01.22, 9903.01.12, 9903.01.03, and 9903.01.31 describe informational materials, including but not limited to, publications, films, posters, phonograph records, photographs, microfilms, microfiche, tapes, compact discs, CD ROMs, artworks, and news wire feeds.

Goods properly classified under the following headings and subheadings of the HTSUS may qualify for the exception under 9903.01.22, 9903.01.12, 9903.01.03, and 9903.01.31:  Chapter 49; goods provided for in headings 3704, 3705, 3706, 5807, 8310, and 9701 through 9705, inclusive; goods provided for in subheadings 6307.90.30, 6307.90.85, 8523.80.10, 8523.29, 8523.41, 8523.49, 9405.61, and 9405.69.

You can read the FAQ here. That’s all the guidance that exists for what type of goods qualify for this exemption, with sparse instances of how it has been interpreted; for example, in the past, religious texts have been considered to qualify as informational materials when coming from Iran.

To learn if your goods qualify for this exemption, consider hiring us to make a Binding Ruling Request with CBP.

IEEPA Tariff exemption questions?

Do you have questions about IEEPA tariff exemptions? We have answers for you. Great Lakes Customs Law has been advising importers for more than 15 years. Call us at (734) 855-4999 or fill out the form below:

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
The information submitted here is confidential. However, no attorney-client relationship is created, intended, or implied by the sending of this message. I understand Great Lakes Customs Law reserves the right to decline representation and if it does accept representation, I will be required to sign a written fee agreement.

SMS/Text Msg Us  WhatsApp Chat

Last updated: April 19, 2025 at 12:49 pm

 

Section 232 Investigations into Pharmaceuticals and Semiconductors

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

The Department of Commerce is initiating investigations into “semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME), and their derivative products” [source] and into “pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients, including finished drug products, medical countermeasures, critical inputs such as active pharmaceutical ingredients, and key starting materials, and derivative products of those items” [source].

Like steel, aluminum, and automobile and automobile part tariffs, these are brought under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and can result in additional tariffs on these products. We previously wrote about the potential for increased tariffs when discussing the section 232 copper investigation.

The comment period is open until May 7.

Tariff questions?

Do you have questions about the tariffs? We have answers for you. Great Lakes Customs Law has been advising importers for more than 15 years. Call us at (734) 855-4999 or fill out the form below:

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
The information submitted here is confidential. However, no attorney-client relationship is created, intended, or implied by the sending of this message. I understand Great Lakes Customs Law reserves the right to decline representation and if it does accept representation, I will be required to sign a written fee agreement.

SMS/Text Msg Us  WhatsApp Chat

Last updated: April 17, 2025 at 0:28 am

 

Reciprocal Tariffs; April 9 Update

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs went into effect on April 5 at the rate of 10%, and increased for many countries to country-specific rates on April 9th at 12:01am. See Reciprocal Tariffs; Day Zero for details.

What reciprocal tariff rate applies to China?

On April 8th, President Trump increased the reciprocal rate on China from 34% to 84% (a 50% increase) [source]. On April 9, on Truth Social, Trump announced an increase “up to 125%” on China:

Presumably, this is an increase from 84% to %125 (or a 41% increase), on the reciprocal tariff only, but it is uncertain at the moment due to lack of the text of an executive order.

APRIL 10 UPDATE:

Executive Order – MODIFYING RECIPROCAL TARIFF RATES TO REFLECT TRADING PARTNER RETALIATION AND ALIGNMENT

The order is effective midnight, April 10, 2025, meaning it is currently in effect.

What reciprocal tariff rate applies to other countries?

For all other countries subject to a country-specific rate above the 10% baseline reciprocal tariff, Trump “paused” implementation for 90 days (July 9, 2025). This leaves a 10% tariff in effect for most countries, in addition to any existing tariff or duties that otherwise apply, including any tariffs on steel, aluminum, automobiles, automobile parts, AD/CVD, etc, etc.

Tariff questions?

Do you have questions about the tariffs? We have answers for you. Great Lakes Customs Law has been advising importers for more than 15 years. Call us at (734) 855-4999 or fill out the form below:

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
The information submitted here is confidential. However, no attorney-client relationship is created, intended, or implied by the sending of this message. I understand Great Lakes Customs Law reserves the right to decline representation and if it does accept representation, I will be required to sign a written fee agreement.

SMS/Text Msg Us  WhatsApp Chat

Last updated: April 10, 2025 at 11:06 am

Automobile and Auto Parts tariffs HTS List (Section 232)

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

President Trump has used his authority (and a previous investigation into the automotive sector in his first term) to increase tariffs on 1) automobiles and 2) automotive parts via Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act (the same authority for imposing steel, aluminum, and eventually copper tariffs on national security grounds) on March 26, 2025.

What HTS codes are covered by the automobile and auto parts tariffs?

Until now, the exact HTS codes affected by the tariff action has been uncertain. The Federal Register draft of the proclamation includes the amendments to the HTSUS, which is available for download on the Federal Register site here (PDF):

Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts into the United States

When do the automobile and parts tariffs start?

The tariffs on automobiles begins April 3, 2025; the tariffs on auto parts begins on May 3, 2025.

There are other important exceptions in the order which should be read to be fully understood.

Stay Informed and Prepared:

The landscape of international trade is shifting rapidly with the reciprocal tariffs on many countries, and sector specifc tariffs such as automotive and metals. Don’t be caught off guard.

Contact Great Lakes Customs for advice and assistance. If you have questions or need help navigating these changes, we’re here to support you.

Last updated: April 2, 2025 at 20:06 pm

End of De Minimis Exception for China

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

Goods shipped valued at under $800 have been exempt from duties from China in certain cases, which was has continued to be big loophole around the Section 301 duties and new IEEPA duties. Those days are over, as of May 2, 2025, low value shipments previously exempt are no longer. The executive order is here:

Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China as Applied to Low-Value Imports

There is also a “Fact Sheet“.

Stay Informed and Prepared:

The landscape of international trade is shifting rapidly with the reciprocal tariffs on many countries, and sector specifc tariffs such as automotive and metals. Don’t be caught off guard.

Contact Great Lakes Customs for advice and assistance. If you have questions or need help navigating these changes, we’re here to support you.

Last updated: April 2, 2025 at 20:15 pm

Reciprocal Tariffs; Day Zero

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

Trump held a ceremony in the White House’s rose garden on April 2, 2025, announcing reciprocal tariffs. He signed the executive order Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits.

Key take-aways, in summary:

  • All countries are subject to an additional 10% tariff beginning April 5
  • Certain countries shall have a higher, country-specific rate beginning April 9 [“Annex I” Countries]
  • Certain goods are exempt from these additional duties [“Annex II” exempt goods — Annex III referenced in Annex II as “In all cases, the formal language in Annex III governs the tariff treatment of products covered by the action.”], such as:
    • Steel and aluminum subject to section 232 duties;
    • Automobiles and automotive parts subject to section 232 duties;
    • Copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, and energy and energy products
    • Special treatment for Canada and Mexico, as these duties do not apply to them; but if the existing 25% duties on Canada and Mexico are lifted, then a 12% duty under this EO will apply
    • If the imported good subject to these duties is at least 20% U.S. content, the duties only apply to non-U.S. content (“For the purposes of this subsection, “U.S. content” refers to the value of an article attributable to the components produced entirely, or substantially transformed in, the United States.”)
    • De minimis shipments are temporarily excepted (except from China, as de minimis shipment exceptions from China are set to end on May 2, 2025 per a new Executive Order)

The below graphic is a nitty-gritty summary of the rates per country:

President Trump Reciprocal Tariff Chart

Stay Informed and Prepared:

The landscape of international trade is shifting rapidly with the reciprocal tariffs on many countries, and sector specifc tariffs such as automotive and metals. Don’t be caught off guard.

Contact Great Lakes Customs for advice and assistance. If you have questions or need help navigating these changes, we’re here to support you.

Last updated: April 4, 2025 at 21:56 pm

Detroit Airport Cash Seizures: February 2025

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

Our law firm helps people every day in ports across the nation put their life back together after suffering through a currency seizure by CBP. These cash seizure incidents happen many times across the nation every single day. Although we help people nationwide with these seizures, we are highlighting a few stories from our local Port of Detroit.

Customs Cash Seizures under Trump

Under the Trump administration, you can expect CBP enforcement on all levels and for all violation types to be high, because that was our experience during his first term.

CBP not only collects revenue in the form of tariffs on imported goods, but CBP is also our nation’s law enforcement agency at all ports of entry. For people who encounter CBP when traveling, CBP will seek to ensure no laws are being violated. Among the laws which CBP enforces is the requirement that all cash in excess of $10,000 is reported timely and accurately under the dictates of 31 USC 5316.

If the cash is not reported using the FinCEN 105 form, the cash may be seized by CBP for failing to report it. Likewise, CBP has similar authority to seize the money if it is structured (divided in increments less than $10,000) or smuggled (hidden) with an intent to evade the currency report requirement.

Customs Cash Seizures in Detroit

The port of Detroit, as explained a lot of other times, is always near the top for aggressive enforcement and cash seizure activity. Therefore, there’s always some news releases being made about seizures. In this case, we get the following posts from CBP’s X/Twitter account for the DFO of Detroit for cash seizures that happened in February 2025.

First, on February 2, CBP seized more than $30,000 from a person leaving the United States at Detroit Metro Airport:

In the next post, on February 19, CBP seized $19,000 from two people who likely structured it (based on the comment of the DFO):

Then, on February 18, CBP seized $11,000 from a greencard holder and Vietnam citizen traveler:

Afterward, on February 25, CBP seized $13,000 from another out-bound traveler who falsely reported $5,000 because she was nervous (this happens a lot!):

Finally, on February 27, CBP reported seizing $50,000 from 3 separate encounters:

Take Back Control of Your Money Today

Don’t let a failure to report cash to Customs ruin your travel plans or financial stability. At Great Lakes Customs Law, we understand the complexities and emotional stress that come with currency seizures. We have the experience and are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.

Act Now to Protect Your Cash

  1. Contact Us for a Free Consultation: Lets discuss your case and explore your legal options. We will listen to your story, understand your needs, and develop a tailored strategy to recover your seized money.
  2. Gather Your Documentation: Start collecting all relevant documents, such as bank statements and tax returns, to support your case. We will guide you on the best way to present this information.
  3. Stay Informed and Prepared: We will keep you updated on the progress of your case and provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions.

Don’t Delay – There is No Time to Waste

SMS/Text Msg Us  WhatsApp Chat

Every moment counts after a Customs cash seizure. Contact us immediately to take the first step towards resolving your case and reclaiming your money. Call us at (734) 855-4999 or fill out our online contact form to get started.

President Trump signs proclamation imposing tariffs on imported steel and aluminum

Exception to Mexico and Canada Tariffs for USMCA goods, etc

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

Earlier this week, President Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico which we wrote about. The tariff situation has now changed, again. In our effort to keep our clients up to speed on changes (which are happening at light speed), we are posting what we know about the changes here, without substantial analysis, other than to say, exceptions have been made for USCMA goods and potash, with details in the official (draft) notices linked below for each country:

Mexico:

Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of Mexico Pursuant to the President’s Executive Order 14194, Imposing Duties to Address the Situation At Our Southern Border

 

Canada:

Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of Canada Pursuant to the President’s Executive Order 14193, Imposing Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border

Current only as of Last updated: March 6, 2025 at 22:14 pm