What happens when you get a seizure letter from customs?
Once a Seizure Notice is received, the “violator” is provided 30 days to file a Petition with Customs. The Petition is the means by which the owner of the cargo may seek to persuade U.S. Customs to release the seized shipment. The Petition should follow the guidelines set forth by U.S. Customs in 19 CFR Part 171.
Can I ignore customs seizure letter?
After your money or property is seized, you will receive a letter that provides you with notice of the reason for the seizure and the alleged basis for forfeiture. If you have no claim to the item seized, then you can simply ignore the customs seizure letter and allow CBP to take the property.
What happens if my parcel is seized by customs?
Customs will destroy or sell anything it seizes from you for breaking the rules on bringing or receiving goods from abroad, unless you: ask for your things back – you can do this even if you agree customs was right to seize them. think customs was wrong to seize your things – you’ll have to go to court.
Why would Customs seizes a package?
Shipping packages may be seized at the “port” if they have been illegally transported (not complying with all the rules and regulations) or their custom duties are paid incorrectly. In such cases, importers of banned or illegal goods may be arrested and imprisoned from being involved in shipping such items.
Should I respond to Customs seizure letter?
When a seizure notice has been received, it is important that a response to the letter is provided so that there is documented evidence that an attempt to “clear” the name of the interested party of the allegations that led to the seizure in the first place has been made.
How do I get my seized money back from Customs?
International travelers can try to reclaim their seized money by filing a petition with CBP. But they have to be able to prove that the money had a legitimate source and intended use, a process that can take about six months.
What do you need to know about customs seizures?
US.3 To initiate the seizure, CBP must have probable cause to believe that there is a violation of the customs laws that specifically provides for seizure and forfeiture or another law enforced by CBP. Note that not all violations of the customs laws will trigger seizure and forfeiture.
How is property seized by Customs and Border Protection?
Property may be seized, if available, by any Customs officer who has reasonable cause to believe that any law or regulation enforced by Customs and Border Protection or Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been violated, by reason of which the property has become subject to seizure or forfeiture.
Why are seizures and forfeitures important to CBP?
There are two points to make. First, seizures and forfeitures are an integral part of CBP’s enforcement activities which generally involve other agencies’ agendas fully as much as Title 19, the customs and trade laws.
Who is responsible for the seizure of property?
(a) Seizures by Customs officers. Property may be seized, if available, by any Customs officer who has reasonable cause to believe that any law or regulation enforced by Customs and Border Protection or Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been violated, by reason of which the property has become subject to seizure or forfeiture.