Roofing Materials Importer Settles Allegations It Knowingly Skirted Country of Origin Markings

Florida-based construction materials manufacturer Gardner-Gibson agreed to pay a $160,933 settlement to resolve allegations of customs laws violations, the Department of Justice said Jan. 20. Gardner-Gibson, which makes and imports products related to residential and commercial construction, allegedly imported a roofing underlayment product made in China without the proper country of origin labels. An individual brought the charges against Gardner-Gibson under the False Claims Act and said the company knowingly failed to apply country of origin markings on its imports in an effort to evade customs duties. The relator will receive 20% of the $160,933 payment, and Gardner-Gibson will also pay the relator's attorney fees of more than $40,000, DOJ said. “It is important that all U.S. businesses have a fair playing field,” said U.S. Attorney Brian Moran. “This case began with a relator alerting the government to the unlawful conduct, helping the government police the import marketplace to ensure fairness.” The settlement resolves allegations and there was no determination of liability, DOJ said.