Shop - Customs & International Trade Law Firm

When Regulatory Failures Become Federal Crimes

Cecilia — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:54:13 +0000

Customs law and criminal law intersect more often than many importers realize. While most customs violations begin as civil matters, they can quickly escalate into criminal investigations when willful violations or fraud is suspected. Agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) work together to identify patterns of evasion, false statements, and schemes designed to avoid duties or import restrictions.

This webinar takes a deep dive into the intersection of customs enforcement and criminal law through the lens of a real-world tobacco-related case study. Tobacco imports are subject to some of the most complex, highly regulated, and heavily enforced rules in international trade.

Presenters discuss:

Overview of tobacco import regulations and why the product category carries heightened enforcement risk
How CBP identifies irregularities and the roles of key agencies in enforcement actions
The escalation pathway from civil customs violations to criminal investigations
Common compliance failures in tobacco imports and how importers can avoid them
Strategies for mitigating exposure
Practical lessons learned for importers and trade professionals handling high-risk commodities

Presenters:

Jennifer Diaz, President, Diaz Trade Law
Rick Quinn, Of Counsel, Diaz Trade Law

Who should attend?

Importers
Manufacturers
Customs Brokers
Regulatory Affairs Professionals
In-house Legal Counsel
Product Development Managers
Others interested in FDA

IEEPA Tariffs, Supreme Court Developments, & Refund Implications

Cecilia — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:18:13 +0000

The Supreme Court just heard oral arguments in a seminal case challenging presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The outcome of this closely watched case could reshape U.S. tariff policy and potentially provide refund opportunities for importers.

In this webinar, presenters discuss:
• IEEPA Tariffs Under Review: An in-depth look at the Supreme Court case challenging the validity of tariffs imposed under IEEPA. We’ll cover core arguments, judicial perspectives, and possible outcomes.
• Policy Implications: What the case means for executive power in trade matters and how it may influence future tariff policy.
• Refund Opportunities for Importers: How companies can preserve refund rights, comply with customs procedures, and prepare for potential retroactive relief.
• Action Steps for Trade Professionals: Practical measures to mitigate risk, document import activity, and position for possible recovery.

Whether you are an importer, manufacturer, or responsible for overseeing trade compliance, this session will provide critical insights into one of the most consequential trade law cases in recent history.

Presenters:
• Jennifer Diaz, President, Diaz Trade Law
• David Craven, Of Counsel, Diaz Trade Law

Who should attend?
• Importers
• Manufacturers
• Customs Brokers
• Regulatory Affairs Professionals
• In-house Legal Counsel
• Product Development Managers
• Others interested in tariffs & trade policy

FDA 101

Cecilia — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:00:22 +0000

FDA is the federal agency that is responsible for overseeing most of the U.S. food supply, medical devices, drugs, cosmetics, vaccines, and tobacco products. FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety and security of these products.
Recent changes in the broader regulatory environment and advancements in technology are shifting the way the FDA operates.

In this webinar, presenters discuss:

The New Policy, Legal, and Regulatory Landscape
FDA & Artificial Intelligence: Promise and Prospect
FDA’s Human Foods Program
What Importers Need to do Now in the New FDA Environment

Presenters:

Jennifer Diaz, President, Diaz Trade Law
Rick Quinn, Of Counsel, Diaz Trade Law

Who should attend?

Importers
Manufacturers
Customs Brokers
Regulatory Affairs Professionals
In-house Legal Counsel
Product Development Managers
Others interested in FDA

Forced Labor – Practical Tips to Secure Your Supply Chain and Comply with Regulatory Requirements

Cecilia — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:59:28 +0000

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the only U.S. government agency, and one of the few in the world, with the legal authority to take enforcement action against goods produced with forced labor to prevent entry into domestic commerce.

Forced labor remains a priority issue for CBP and the agency remains committed to identifying products made using forced labor and preventing them from entering the U.S. All importers should have robust processes in place to both know and secure their supply chains and ensure they are meeting all regulatory requirements.

In this webinar, presenters discuss:
– What goods are being targeted under U.S. forced labor laws?
– The importance of pre-detention due diligence for importers
– The connection between AD/CVD cases and forced labor investigations
– How to properly audit your supply chain
– The CBP investigative process
– How to secure a release from a Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act detention or the revocation of a Withhold Release Order

Presenters:
– Jennifer Diaz, President, Diaz Trade Law
– Dana Watts, Of Counsel, Diaz Trade Law

Who Should Attend?
– Importers
– Manufacturers
– Customs Brokers
– Regulatory Affairs Professionals
– In-house Legal Counsel
– Product Development Managers

Importing 101: A Crash Course in CBP Compliance and Best Practices

Cecilia — Thu, 29 May 2025 20:53:24 +0000

If you import merchandise into the U.S., you may not realize, but, you are the responsible party!

In this presentation, our speakers will discuss how to comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) vast laws and regulations and provide a comprehensive overview of the latest trade policy updates. By the end of the event, you will know and understand the importance of tariff classification (including what duty/tariff applies), customs valuation, country of origin marking, intellectual property rights and free trade agreements.

You will also learn basic customs concepts and terms like CBP Form 7501, request for information (CBP 28), notice of action (CBP 29). protests, detention/seizure cases, liquidated damage claims, penalties/fines, prior disclosures, and the FP&F process. Additionally, you will learn the top 10 tips when importing to ensure compliance. This training will provide valuable assistance to all importers, customs brokers, and all trade professionals.

Session Highlights:

Update on recent trade policy changes – tariffs, de minimis
Importance of CBP Rulings for Classification, Valuation and Country of Origin
Cost Savings practices like utilizing Free Trade Agreements
Importance of protecting intellectual property rights
Basic customs concepts and terms
Top tips to proactively work with your Customs Broker
What to do if you encounter a CBP detention and/or seizure case
Learn when to submit a prior disclosure to CBP
Top 10 tips when importing to ensure compliance
Learn key best practices and hear real-life case studies
Learn what to do, and more importantly, what NOT to do, and what the consequences are for non-compliance

Who Should Attend?

Importers
Customs Brokers
Regulatory Affairs Professionals
In-house Legal Counsel
Product Development Managers

ELIGIBLE FOR 3 CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS for CCS/MCS, LCB credit type(s).

Demystifying FP&F: What You Need to Know About CBP’s Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures

Cecilia — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 17:20:23 +0000

CBP has been delegated broad authority to assess, remit, mitigate, cancel, or compromise penalties and liquidated damages claims and to seize merchandise for violations of Customs or other laws enforced by CBP.
The FP&F process can be complicated, and how you respond can significantly impact the final outcome.

In this webinar, presenters will discuss:
• The CBP detention & seizure process
• How to read a seizure notice
• How to properly file a petition
• CBP monetary penalties
• How to read and respond to a pre-penalty notice
• When and how CBP issues liquidated damages

Who Should Attend?
• Importers
• Manufacturers
• Customs Brokers
• Regulatory Affairs Professionals
• In-house Legal Counsel
• Product Development Managers

Navigating Tariff Challenges: Mitigation Tools & Tactics

Cecilia — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 15:39:22 +0000

Tariff increases have a significant impact on businesses involved in importing goods into the U.S. However, importers are not without options.

What can importers do to prepare for future tariff increases? A lot!

This webinar outlines several strategies to legally minimize tariff costs, including:

• Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB)
• Incoterms
• Duty drawback
• Tariff engineering
• Country of origin change
• First sale
• Duty deferral
• Free trade agreements
• Moving some manufacturing to the U.S.

Presenters also highlight illegal tariff minimization strategies so importers know what NOT to do.

Presenters:
Jennifer Diaz, President, Diaz Trade Law
Dana Watts, Of Counsel, Diaz Trade Law

Who Should Attend?
• Importers
• Manufacturers
• Customs Brokers
• Regulatory Affairs Professionals
• In-house Legal Counsel
• Product Development Managers

Approved for one CCS/MCS, CES/MES, and LCB credit.

Navigating CBP Regulations: Essential Practices for Import Success

Cecilia — Fri, 24 May 2024 17:12:22 +0000

If you import merchandise into the U.S., you may not realize, but, you are the responsible party!

In this presentation, our speakers will discuss how to comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) vast laws and regulations. By the end of the event, you will know and understand the importance of tariff classification, customs valuation, country of origin marking, intellectual property rights and free trade agreements.

You will also learn basic customs concepts and terms like CBP Form 7501, protests, seizure cases, liquidated damage claims, penalties/fines, prior disclosures, and the FP&F process. Additionally, you will learn the top 10 tips when importing to ensure compliance. This event will provide valuable assistance to all importers, customs brokers, and all trade professionals.

Session Highlights:

Importance of CBP Rulings for Classification, Valuation and Country of Origin
Cost Savings practices like utilizing Free Trade Agreements
Importance of protecting intellectual property rights
Basic customs concepts and terms
Top tips to proactively work with your Customs Broker
What to do if you encounter a CBP detention and/or seizure case
Learn when to submit a prior disclosure to CBP
Top 10 tips when importing to ensure compliance
Learn key best practices and hear real life case studies
Learn what to do, and more importantly, what NOT to do, and what the consequences are for non-compliance

Who Should Attend?

Importers
Customs Brokers
Regulatory Affairs Professionals
In-house Legal Counsel
Product Development Managers

False Claims Act Webinar

Jennifer Diaz — Fri, 10 May 2024 19:55:36 +0000

The False Claims Act (FCA) prohibits knowingly making false claims to the government, including agencies like Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Provisions of the FCA allow private parties to act as whistleblowers and bring federal qui tam lawsuits on behalf of the government.

This webinar will cover:

Whistleblower provisions of the FCA & the investigation process
How companies can use the FCA to stop unlawful evasion by competitors
Qui tam lawsuit process
Reverse false claims
Damages & criminal liability

Getting MoCRA Compliant

Cecilia — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:51:58 +0000

Cosmetics companies must comply with the new requirements of the Modernization of Cosmetic Regulations Act by July 1, 2024. Diaz Trade Law will host a “Getting MoCRA Compliant” webinar on January 24. DTL President Jennifer Diaz and Of Counsel Rick D. Quinn will cover what companies need to know and do to prepare for the July deadline.

In This Webinar You Will Learn:

WHAT: is required NOW under the new MoCRA law.
HOW: to comply with the new rules and PREPARE for what’s coming.
WHERE: to find the most important information For MoCRA Compliance.
WHEN: are the important deadlines to be ready On Time.
WHY: MoCRA compliance is important To Avoid FDA Enforcement.

And more!