As we wrap up this extraordinary year, we want to take a moment to thank you for your trust, collaboration, and support. This year was marked by significant milestones and meaningful accomplishments, including saving our clients MILLIONS of dollars.

We look forward to working with you in 2026!

Top 2025 Success Stories

Assisted Numerous Importers in Filing Prior Disclosures

  • Our client realized it committed violations of 19 U.S.C. §1592 and sought guidance from DTL. DTL recommended and filed an initial Prior Disclosure with CBP. DTL calculated the loss of revenue (LOR), submitted a Perfected Prior Disclosure, and tendered the LOR (including interest), resulting in the successful closure of the PD with no additional penalties assessed!
  • Our client identified misclassification and valuation errors on prior importations, prompting DTL’s review and submission of a prior disclosure to CBP. Our client tendered payment of over $350,000.00 in duties, fees, and interest owed to CBP. CBP accepted the disclosure under 19 CFR 162.74 and confirmed that no additional penalties would be assessed!
  • Diaz Trade Law successfully secured prior disclosure benefits for a client regarding customs-valuation and HTSUS errors on imports through the Port of New York/Newark. After DTL’s prior disclosure submission, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determined that the errors resulted in no loss of revenue and classified the issue as simple negligence. As a result, CBP waived all penalties, and the matter was officially closed.

 Binding Ruling Requests

  • Diaz Trade Law requested a Binding Ruling on behalf of our client regarding the country of origin for goods where processing takes place in both Indonesia and China. CBP agreed with our assessment and issued a ruling confirming that the country of origin for marking and trade purposes is Indonesia.

Successfully Assisted Numerous Importers in Various Seizure Cases

  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized our client’s goods alleging that our client failed to file the Electronic Export Information (EEI) in the Automated Export System (AES), violating 15 CFR 30.2, 30.71(b)(4), and 19 USC 1595a(d). Diaz Trade Law filed a successful petition, and CBP GRANTED RELIEF – authorizing release of the goods and saving our client $37,000!
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized our client’s goods alleging that our client failed to obtain license required for export, violating 19 USC 1595a(d), 22 USC 401, 50 USC 4815, and 50 USC 4811. Diaz Trade Law filed a successful petition, and CBP GRANTED RELIEF – authorizing release of the goods!
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized our client’s goods alleging that our client failed to obtain a license required for export, violating 19 USC 1595a(d), 22 USC 401, 50 USC 1702, 15 CFR 736.2, 22 CFR 127.6, 22 CFR 127.2, and 31 CFR 587.201. Diaz Trade Law filed a successful petition, and CBP GRANTED RELIEF – authorizing release of the merchandise!
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized our client’s goods, valued at $51,300, alleging that they were counterfeit in violation of 19 U.S.C. 1526(e) and  19 C.F.R. 133.21. Diaz Trade Law filed a successful petition, and CBP GRANTED RELIEF – authorizing release of the seized merchandise!
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a seizure notice to our client, seizing an aircraft engine and propellor under the provisions of 19 USC 1595a(d), 22 USC 401, 15 CFR 30.71(b)(4), 15 CFR 30.6(a)(17). Diaz Trade Law submitted a successful petition, and CBP GRANTED RELIEF!
  • Our client received a seizure notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) alleging violations under 22 U.S.C. § 401(a), 19 U.S.C. § 1595a(d), 22 U.S.C. § 2778, and 22 C.F.R. § 127.2. DTL filed a successful Petition, and CBP GRANTED RELIEF—agreeing to return the seized property!
  • Our client received a seizure notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) involving a vehicle valued at $35,000. CBP alleged violations under 19 U.S.C. § 1595a(c)(2)(A) and 49 U.S.C. § 30112, and 19 U.S.C. § 1526(e). DTL filed a successful Petition, and CBP GRANTED RELIEF—authorizing release of the vehicle for export!
  • Our client received a seizure notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for goods valued over $363,000. CBP alleged violations of 19 U.S.C. § 1595a(d), 22 U.S.C. § 401, 15 C.F.R. § 30.71(b)(4), and 15 C.F.R. § 30.2. DTL filed a successful Petition, and CBP GRANTED RELIEF—agreeing to release the property.
  • Our client received a seizure notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) involving goods valued at $1,238,356. CBP alleged violations under 19 U.S.C. § 1497(a)(1), 19 U.S.C. § 1595a(d), 22 U.S.C. § 401, 18 U.S.C. §§ 554 and 38, and 22 U.S.C. § 2778. DTL filed a successful Petition, and CBP ultimately GRANTED RELIEF—reducing the forfeiture to $185,753.40 (15% of the value).
  • Our client received a seizure notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for goods valued at $26,558. CBP alleged violations of 19 U.S.C. § 1595a(d), 22 U.S.C. § 401, 50 U.S.C. § 1702, and related export control laws. DTL filed a successful Petition, and CBP ultimately GRANTED RELIEF—reducing the forfeiture to $10,623.20 (40% of the total value)!
  • Our client received a seizure notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for goods valued at $254,944.80. CBP alleged violations of 19 U.S.C. § 1595a(c)(2)(A), 21 U.S.C. § 331, 18 U.S.C. §§ 541 and 542, and 21 U.S.C. § 387. DTL filed a successful Petition, and CBP ultimately GRANTED REMISSION, allowing exportation of the goods and reducing the penalty to $79,920—saving our client over $175,000!
  • Our client received a seizure notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the amount of $15,943. CBP alleged violations of 31 U.S.C. § 5316. DTL filed a successful Petition to resulting in the relief and authorized release of the goods upon payment of just $1,000—saving our client $14,943!
  • Our client received a seizure notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) involving goods valued at $204,530.04. CBP alleged violations of 19 U.S.C. § 1595a(c)(2)(A) and FCC certification requirements. DTL filed a successful Petition to CBP resulting in remission of the seizure and approval to export the goods upon payment of just $8,014.50—saving our client over $196,000!
  • Our client received a seizure notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) involving goods valued at $39,000. CBP alleged numerous violations, including export smuggling and failure to obtain the required export license. DTL filed a successful Petition, leading CBP to GRANT RELIEF and authorize release of the seized merchandise!
  • Our client received a seizure notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP alleged violations of 19 U.S.C. § 1595a(c)(2)(A) and 49 U.S.C. § 30112.  DTL filed a successful Petition to CBP resulting in REMISSION of the seizure, allowing our client to retrieve the goods and paying only $600 (20% of the dutiable value)!

Successfully Mitigated Penalty Actions

  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a $486,500 penalty to our client, alleging a failure to comply with the wood packing material importation requirements, violating 19 USC 1595a(b) and 7 CFR 319.40. Diaz Trade Law filed a successful petition, which CBP GRANTED RELIEF, accepting $2,918.30 as payment, and saving our client $483,581.70!
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued our client a $36,000 penalty, alleging that they imported merchandise bearing a counterfeit trademark, violating 19 USC 1526(e), 15 USC 1124, and 19 CFR 133.21(e). Diaz Trade Law filed a successful petition, claiming that fraud took place, and CBP CANCELED THE PENALTY!
  • Our client received a penalty from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) totaling $16,971. CBP alleged violations of 13 U.S.C. § 304(b), 15 C.F.R. §§ 30.71(b)(1), 30.26, and 6.3(d). DTL filed a successful Petition to CBP, and CBP ultimately GRANTED RELIEF—reducing the penalty to just $750 and saving our client over $16,000!
  • CBP issued three separate penalties to our client totaling over $50,000.00 alleging a failure to file Electronic Export Information (EEI) in the Automated Export System (AES). DTL submitted a successful Petition to CBP resulting in substantial mitigation. CBP reduced the three penalties to $2,400.00 ($800 per case)—saving our client over $48,000.00!!
  • CBP issued our client a penalty alleging violations of 13 U.S.C. § 305(b) and multiple provisions under 15 C.F.R., including §§ 30.71(b)(3), 30.3(a), 30.6, and 6.3(d). DTL submitted a persuasive Petition, which led to the cancellation of the ENTIRE penalty and full closure of the case!
  • An importer received a Notice of Penalty from U.S. Customs (CBP) in the amount of $10,111 for an alleged ISPM-15 Wood Packaging Material (WPM) violation. DTL filed a successful petition with CBP, and our client’s penalty was mitigated down to $1,011!
  • An importer received a Notice of Penalty from U.S. Customs (CBP) in the amount of $8,250.00 for an alleged ISPM-15 Wood Packaging Material (WPM) violation. DTL filed a successful petition with CBP, and our client’s penalty was mitigated down to $825.00!

Successfully Mitigated Liquidated Damages Claims 

  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a $175,398 liquidated damages claim to our client, alleging a failure to redeliver requested FDA products, violating 21 USC 381(a), 21 USC 381(b), 19 CFR 141.113(c), and 19 CFR 12.3. Diaz Trade Law filed a successful petition, which CBP GRANTED RELIEF, accepting $440.75 as payment, and saving our client $174,957.25!
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a $27,360 liquidated damages claim to our client, alleging a failure to redeliver requested FDA products, violating 21 USC 381(a), 21 USC 381(b), 19 CFR 141.113(c), and 19 CFR 12.3. Diaz Trade Law filed a successful petition, which CBP GRANTED RELIEF, accepting $91.20 as payment, and saving our client $27,268.80!
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a $50,000 liquidated damages claim to our client, alleging violations of 21 USC 381(a), 21 USC 381(b), 19 CFR 141.113(c), and 19 CFR 12.3. Diaz Trade Law filed a successful Offer in Compromise offering $500 as full and complete settlement, which CBP accepted, saving our client $45,500!
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a $50,000 liquidated damages claim to our client, alleging that our client failed to timely export or destroy their goods in violation of 19 CFR 142.15, 19 CFR 113.62(b), and 19 CFR 113.62(n)(1). DTL swiftly filed a successful Petition, resulting in CBP mitigating the claim down to $200, saving our client $48,800!!
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a $11,340 liquidated damages (liq dam) claim to our client, alleging a failure to redeliver the goods into CBP custody for exportation or destruction, violating 21 USC 381(a), 21 USC 381(b), 19 CFR 141.113(c), and 19 CFR  12.3. Diaz Trade Law filed a successful petition, and CBP granted relief in the amount of $226.80!
  • Our client received a liquidated damages claim of $50,000.00 from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP alleged our client failed to redeliver merchandise for FDA examination as required, in violation of 19 C.F.R. §§ 113.62 and 151.11. DTL filed a successful Petition, and CBP agreed—reducing the claim to just $5,259.63 (1% of the merchandise value) and saving our client over $44,000.
  • Our client received a liquidated damages claim from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the amount of $50,000. Upon review of DTL’s successful Petition, CBP cancelled the claim in full!
  • Our client received a liquidated damages claim in the amount of $49,392. CBP alleged that our client failed to export or destroy the goods timely. DTL swiftly filed a Petition, and CBP granted FULL RELIEF!
  • Our client received a liquidated damages claim from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) totaling $27,432. CBP alleged violations of 21 U.S.C. §§ 381(a), 381(b), and 19 C.F.R. §§ 141.113(c) and 12.3. DTL filed a successful Petition, leading CBP to GRANT RELIEF—reducing liability to just $91.44 (1% of the entered value)—saving our client over $27,000!
  • Our client received three liquidated damages claims from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) totaling $113,962. CBP alleged violations of 21 U.S.C. §§ 381(a), 381(b), and 19 C.F.R. § 141.113(c). DTL filed a successful Petition to CBP, resulting in CBP reducing the claims down to $1,461.39—just 1% of the entered value—saving our client over $112,000!
  • Our client received two liquidated damages claims from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) totaling $483,741. CBP alleged violations of 21 C.F.R. § 381(a), § 381(b), 19 C.F.R. § 141.113(c), and § 12.3. DTL filed a successful petition to CBP resulting in the CANCELLATION of BOTH Liquidated Damages claims, saving our client $483,741!!
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a $10,000 Liquidated Damages claim alleging a violation of 19 CFR 19.12(d)(4)(ii), 113.63(a)(3), and 113.63(j)(3). Diaz Trade Law (“DTL”) filed a successful Petition with CBP citing the legal rational for mitigation. After its review, CBP agreed and reduced the claim to $100, saving our client $9,900!

 Export Compliance and Enforcement Mitigation Assistance

  • Diaz Trade Law successfully filed an export license application via SNAP-R with the Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”), which resulted in BIS issuing the necessary licenses authorizing our client to legally transact business with Cuba.
  • Our client attempted to export merchandise from the U.S. It was seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) due to alleged violations of 19 U.S.C. 1595a(d), 22 U.S.C. 401, 50 U.S.C. 1702, 15 C.F.R. 736.2, 18 U.S.C. 554, and 50 U.S.C. 4819. Diaz Trade Law successfully filed a petition with CBP, resulting in the release of the merchandise with a small penalty of 10% of the merchandise value.

 CPSC Detention Assistance

  • Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) detained our clients goods alleging they were subject to their Flammability test and General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) requirements as referenced in the Flammable Fabrics Act and CPSC’s guidelines. Diaz Trade Law drafted a successful Memorandum of Law verifying the one-of-a-kind nature of the rugs, and CPSC granted a testing exemption!
  • The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) detained a client’s shipment alleging non-compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). DTL immediately reviewed the product and applicable CPSC regulations and prepared a compelling legal response to CPSC including specific corrective actions resulting in CPSC authorizing the release of the goods.

CBP 28/29/Protest Assistance

  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) proposed the use of Form 29 (CF29) instead of Form 28 for our client, alleging that our client had not satisfied its importer requirements as outlined in CBP’s Informed Compliance Publication. Diaz Trade Law had our client’s product re-examined and they were found to be outside the scope of the AD/CVD, leading to the closure of the CF29!

 Antidumping and Countervailing Duty (AD/CVD)

  • Consumer and Border Protection (CBP) had terminated an Antidumping and Countervailing Duties (AD/CVD) investigation of our client, leaving the wrong entry type code. Diaz Trade Law contacted CBP to change the entry type code from 03 to 01 so that the collateral could be returned, and CBP agreed!
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) alleged that our client entered the incorrect antidumping (ADD) duty, subjecting our client’s products to the 478.09% China-wide rate. Diaz Trade Law advocated for an alternate ADD. CBP reverted the entry to the correct ADD – allowing our client’s products to be subjected to the 248.16% rate!
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initially imposed AD/CVD duties against our client. DTL filed a successful Protest and CBP ultimately APPROVED the protest—securing full relief for our client!

Intellectual Property Detention

  • CBP detained our client’s goods due to alleged intellectual property rights (IPR) and FCC marking violations. DTL swiftly resolved the IPR issue with CBP by providing authorization for the marking and promptly addressed the FCC marking issue with necessary corrective action. DTL’s SUCCESSFUL advocacy resulted in the detained shipment being released within ONE week!

Free Trade Agreement Classification

  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) alleged that our client’s products did not qualify for the U.S.–Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) because one of their products’ materials did not originate in South Korea or the United States. Diaz Trade Law contacted CBP with the production history of the product, citing the yarn forward rule, and CBP determined that our client did qualify for the KORUS FTA and that their duty rate was free!
  • Our client received a duty demand after CBP reclassified and rate-advanced entries initially claimed as DR-CAFTA eligible. CBP alleged the goods did not qualify for preferential treatment. DTL filed a  successful Protest 520(d) to which  CBP ultimately APPROVED, granting duty-free treatment and full relief.
  • Our client received a Notice of Action from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) totaling $27,432. CBP alleged misclassification of the goods and initially denied the claimed tariff treatment. DTL successfully provided supporting documentation, leading CBP to confirm eligibility for DR-CAFTA and duty-free treatment under the correct classification!
  • Nearly two years after issuing a CF-28 Request for Information to an importer, CBP agreed with Diaz Trade Law’s response proving the affected products qualified for duty-free treatment under the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement and allowed the impacted entries to liquidate with no change.

Customized Training Programs & Webinars

  • Diaz Trade Law Webinar: Adapting to an Evolving FDA, What Importers Need to Know and How to Prepare, November 2025
  • Transport Logistic, Project Cargo & Air Cargo Americas Panel, Moderator, Women in Logistics, November 2025
  • Transport Logistic, Project Cargo & Air Cargo Americas Panel, Panelist, Navigating the U.S. Tariff Maze, November 2025
  • ACI 14th Advanced Forum on U.S. Customs Compliance & Enforcement, Speaker, Country of Origin Compliance, October 2025
  • Orlando Air Cargo Luncheon, Speaker, Trade Under Pressure: Understanding Tariffs and Their Impact on Global Logistics, October 2025
  • 10th Annual Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo, Moderator, How to Import into the United States of America, October 2025
  • OWIT South Florida & Miami World Trade Center, Speaker, Lessons from the Trade Battlefield, September 2025
  • Americas Food & Beverage Show, Speaker, Top 10 Tips When Importing Into the U.S. in Compliance with CBP and FDA, September 2025,
  • Diaz Trade Law Webinar: Forced Labor, Practical Tips to Secure Your Supply Chain and Comply with Regulatory Requirements, September 2025
  • Simply Trade Podcast, Guest, Transshipment, Liquidation, and the Escalating Trade Enforcement Era, August 2025
  • Medmarc Webinar, Speaker, FDA Policies: Reflecting on the Past, Understanding the Present, and Preparing for the Future, August 2025
  • FCBF Webinar, Moderator, CTPAT Update and Validation Do’s and Don’ts and Best Practices, August 2025
  • Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce 19th Annual International Business Forum, Speaker, Navigating Global Trade & Business, July 2025
  • Women in Girls in Transportation PortMiami Experience, Speaker, July 2025
  • 2025 Global Trade Educational Conference, Speaker, Post Summary Corrections vs. Protests, July 2025
  • OWIT Webinar, Speaker, The Compliance Revolution, June 2025
  • NCBFAA Educational Institute Webinar, Speaker, Your Intellectual Property with U.S. Customs: Key Strategies, June 2025
  • FCBF Webinar, Moderator, Building a Performant Entrywriting Organization, June 2025
  • Diaz Trade Law Live Training at the World Trade Center Miami – CBP Compliance 101, May 2025
  • The Bloom Show, Speaker, How U.S. Tariffs on China are Reshaping Floral Transit & Trade, May 2025
  • The Chemical Company Podcast, Speaker, The Latest on Tariffs and What It Means For Your Business, April 2025
  • ACREL Podcast, Speaker, the Fundamentals of Tariffs, April 2025
  • Diaz Trade Law Webinar, Demystifying FP&F: What You Need to Know About CBP’s Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures, April 2025
  • MSI Expert Series, Speaker, US Tariffs – Navigating the Changing Global Trade Landscape, April 2025
  • FCBF Crisis Logistic Series Panel, Speaker, April 2025
  • Florida Bar Tariff Webinar, Speaker, Navigating Tariff Challenges: Legal Strategies, April 2025
  • Global Chamber Webinar, Speaker, Move Forward Successfully Amidst Tariffs and Shifting Trade Dynamics, March 2025
  • Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance Conference, Speaker, Mastering FDA Compliance, February 2025
  • Simply Trade Podcast, Guest, Leveraging Trade Law Expertise Amidst Policy Changes, February 2025
  • Diaz Trade Law Webinar, Navigating Tariff Challenges, February 2025
  • Trade Talks Webinar, Speaker, A Discussion of Florida’s Trade Relationships, February 2025
  • MSI Americas Regional Conference, Speaker, Tariffs: Where We Stand and What’s Ahead, January 2025
  • Aerospace Lunch & Learn, Speaker, When Things Go Wrong: Critical Customs Warnings and Enforcement Trends, January 2025

 Publications & Articles

Awards

  • 2025, Diaz Trade Law Ranked in the Chambers Florida Spotlight Guide 2025 for International Trade
  • 2016-2025, Florida Super Lawyers List
  • MSI Global Alliance Certificate & Baton
  • Florida Lawyers Network Advocate Award, Jennifer Diaz

Press

 

Diaz Trade Law values you and appreciates your trust in us to be your Customs and International Trade Law Expert!

Print Friendly, PDF & EmailPrint