US importer pays CBP $3.3 million for entry violations

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said optical lenses manufacturer Satisloh used false descriptions, tariff classifications and duty rates on its import entries for certain machinery and parts.

"Civil penalties like this one are a critical tool in our toolbox" to ensure import compliance, CBP's Executive Assistant Commissioner to Trade Brenda Smith said.[Photo Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection]

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Nov. 19 said it has collected $3,320,425 for various customs violations from an importer of machinery that is used in the production of optical lenses.

According to CBP, the violations occurred when Satisloh, which is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, provided the agency with false descriptions, tariff classification numbers and duty rates on import entries of certain machinery and parts.

“The matter was resolved when CBP accepted an offer in compromise submitted by the importer,” the agency said. An offer in compromise is a written offer and deposit of funds to settle civil liability relating to a U.S. government claim of customs law violations.

“CBP will continue to employ a range of enforcement actions to ensure a fair, safe and compliant trade system,” said Brenda Smith, CBP’s executive assistant commissioner for the Office of Trade, in a statement. “Civil penalties like this one are a critical tool in our toolbox, and I commend CBP for seeing this penalty through to a collection.”   

Under 19 U.S.C. § 1592, CBP has the authority to issue penalty claims against violators that use false statements or data omissions in their import entries.

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Chris Gillis

Located in the Washington, D.C. area, Chris Gillis primarily reports on regulatory and legislative topics that impact cross-border trade. He joined American Shipper in 1994, shortly after graduating from Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Md., with a degree in international business and economics.