CUSTOMS NON-COMPLIANCE NEVER PAYS!
HIGH DUTIES AND TARIFFS MAKE NON-COMPLIANCE A TEMPTING TRAP
Given the high tariff rates importers are facing due to Canada’s retaliatory tariffs (actually surtaxes), importers may be tempted to consider various methods to try and minimize the duty paid. Unfortunately, most of these methods could be considered “evasion” – and there is no shortage of unscrupulous people hawking them. On balance, these strategies are a poor choice given the potentially serious consequences for violating customs laws.
As an example, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (the “EPPO”) recently dealt with a customs evasion scheme in Italy involving Chinese electric bicycles (“e-bikes”).