Customs on both sides of the border are efficient and well-regulated bodies, but they are not beyond making the occasional mistake. Contesting a disciplinary decision, such as in the case of an error on the part of Customs, comes in the form of either a penalty protest when dealing with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or a mitigation and/or petition for relief when working with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
If you believe you have been penalized unjustly, and your broker agrees, a formal Customs protest, petition, or appeal is likely the best route to diminishing or reversing that decision entirely.
With decades of experience, we can quickly inform you which protests are viable and which are not.
From start to finish, we help you through the appeals process, working with you to find a solution that works.
Identify potential recourses and options should you find yourself or your business penalized by Customs in error.
PCB has been in the international trade business, with roots reaching back to 1954. In that time, we have actively advised thousands of clients facing penalties and fines from Customs. That breadth of experience makes us uniquely qualified to help you identify those penalties that are likely to be successfully contested and help you through the technical process of protesting, petitioning, mitigating, or appealing those penalties.
If it is found that your penalty or fine can be appealed, we offer a wide range of services to help file and process your petition with the CBSA or the CBP, including:
Customs is a remarkably effective entity, but it is not without the occasional misstep or misunderstanding. If you have received a penalty you believe to be incorrect or misattributed, the aid of a professional in your protest or petition can be invaluable both in identifying its validity and processing that protestation.
Historically and currently, there are many cases where penalties or fines have been issued in error, and it was only through an effective Customs penalty protest, petition, or mitigation that those fines were reversed or diminished. These clients saved thousands of dollars and their reputation, and PCB can help you do the same.
