US Customs Contacting Client's about Product Value
So it's about a friend of a friend's company . Here is the context, company is a furniture store that imports furniture from China and sells it all over North America including the US. Due to escalating trade war, the US Customs has withheld a ton of shipments for inspection and this cause frustration for both the company and the clients. One time, they confiscated a whole shipment because they suspected the furniture used rosewood which is a banned material. After a few weeks of inspection and testing, they found out it was imitation rosewood, but damage has been done. Had to refund the client and reputation damaged during this time.
Now this time is even worse. They withheld another shipment but this time, they contacted the client and told them they didn't think the products is worth this price, implying the company was ripping them off. Now this client is a long time client and very knowledgeable in the furniture business, so they know US Customs is full of shit. But like wtf, is it really Custom's responsibility to inform businesses what a product is worth? And luckily this time it was a old client that trusted us that told us what happened, who knows how many others they have contacted.
Has anyone been in this situation? What did you do? The owners are going to seek legal counsel to see what can be done. There is concern that Customs may retaliate by withholding every single shipment and inspecting all of them.
Now this time is even worse. They withheld another shipment but this time, they contacted the client and told them they didn't think the products is worth this price, implying the company was ripping them off. Now this client is a long time client and very knowledgeable in the furniture business, so they know US Customs is full of shit. But like wtf, is it really Custom's responsibility to inform businesses what a product is worth? And luckily this time it was a old client that trusted us that told us what happened, who knows how many others they have contacted.
Has anyone been in this situation? What did you do? The owners are going to seek legal counsel to see what can be done. There is concern that Customs may retaliate by withholding every single shipment and inspecting all of them.