U.S. Customs & Border Protection in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands recently reported their annual fiscal year statistics, which included the following nugget about currency seizures performed by customs. Most of these customs currency seizures occur at airports and water ports; we have reported on numerous currency seizures occurring at U.S. ports in the Caribbean in previous articles posted. The amount money customs seizes from travelers is staggering:
In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, CBP officers and agents . . .Ā seized approximately $3.5 million in unreported currency in FY 2013, which runs from October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013.
If you have had your money seized by customs, read visit our page that is devoted to understanding currency seizures toĀ help you understand the process.
But, the news release deals not only with customs money seizures, either, but also with customs seized merchandise imported for violation of intellectual property rights, too. We have previously written articles on trademark infringementĀ gray market goods and trademark infringement, which can help you understand the process more.
CBP officers conducted more than 164 seizures related Intellectual Property Rights violations, with a domestic value of approximately $1.9 million.
If you have had money or merchandise seized by customs call our office atĀ (734) 855-4999Ā to speak to a customs lawyer, or e-mail us through ourĀ contact page. Once your merchandise is seized, Customs may issue a penalty for the violation of law itself. If you have received a notice of penalty from U.S. Customs call our office immediately to discuss the possibility of filing a petition to reduce the penalty amount.
We are able to assist petitions and in seizures by customs nationwide, including Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, Buffalo, New York, and Los Angeles.