Customs Continues to Increase Border Scrutiny
April 22, 2003
Regardless of its current name, Customs continues to
increase border scrutiny on all fronts. We have noticed this heightened review
on both cargo and people. In one recent case, a non-U.S. businessman was
cross-examined by Customs and rushed into filling out the cash reporting forms
as he was leaving the U.S. after signing a major business transaction. Customs
then removed him for further questioning and, when the amount reported was not
precisely the amount on hand, seized all cash.
Although Customs initially refused to return the funds,
Holland & Knight was able to present Customs with evidence that led Customs to
reverse its decision and return the funds. However, the effort was substantial.
Given the international security situation, Customs is taking its job very
seriously. It is important to follow Customs requirements as closely as possible
to avoid the time and expense of straightening out problems such as this one.