CBP 'Aware' of Involvement of Customs Broker in Recent Penalty Case, Says Spokeswoman

CBP is “aware” of the recent Court of International Trade decision levying $2 million in penalties on a Texas woman who was paid $200 by a customs broker for her signature on a power of attorney (see 1509280063), but cannot confirm or deny whether it is taking action against the customs broker, said an agency spokeswoman. Though CBP knows of the “involvement of a licensed customs broker in these serious violations,” which include undervaluation and failure to redeliver, the agency “is not allowed by regulation to comment on any potential administrative actions until such actions are completed,” she said. “CBP values the important role of the licensed customs brokers and takes any actual or reported illicit activity of those companies or individuals very seriously,” said the agency spokeswoman.