U.S. Customs Unveils Online Trade Violation Reporting System

Jason Sandefur

U.S. Customs and Border Protection”s Office of International Trade has developed a new online trade violation reporting system. “e-Allegations” is a new way to confidentially report suspected trade violations through an online form.

“”CBP has established this reporting system to make it easier for the public to notify CBP of possible trade violations,” the agency stated. “CBP will confidentially research concerns, determine the validity of the allegations and any actions required based on the subsequent review.”

To report a possible violation, an individual must submit the type of trade violation, description of what has occurred, the products or goods involved and the alleged violator”s name and/or company.

Violations that may be reported online include misclassification of merchandise, country of origin markings, health and safety violations, intellectual property rights violations, textile or other trade violations.

For example, e-Allegations will provide a means to report a possible violator who is importing substandard steel, claiming that it is of a higher grade, therefore creating a potential safety issue.
Other possible violations that can be reported include a company claiming a lower than actual value on a product they are importing to pay less duty or a company who is importing textiles from one country but stating that the goods are from another country to avoid quota restrictions.

The online service offers an auto-generated email that contains an e-Allegation number and an address where photographs or other documentation can be sent.

The address is Commercial Targeting and Enforcement, Office of International Trade, US Customs and Border Protection, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, ATTN: 1400 L-11, Washington, DC 20229. Web: cbp.gov �2008 FastenerNews.com