Understanding the False Claims Act Risks Facing U.S. Importers

In recent years, there has been a steady rise in the number of lawsuits brought under the False Claims Act (FCA) alleging that importers have concealed obligations to pay duties to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The increase in the number of qui tam suits filed by whistleblowers, combined with the current administration’s protectionist policies, suggests that U.S. importers could face increased FCA risks for years to come. 

This webinar will provide an overview of the FCA and the “reverse false claim” theory of liability that applies in duty evasion cases where an importer is alleged to have made false statements about tariff classification, country of origin, or the value of goods. The presenters will analyze recent enforcement trends, discuss considerations for responding to a government FCA investigation, and share practical steps that importers can take to mitigate risks.