Importer Settles With DOJ in Dorm Furniture Case
Import Merchandising Concepts and two company employees will pay $275,000 to "resolve allegations that the company improperly evaded customs duties on imports of wooden bedroom furniture" from China, the Justice Department said in a May 1 news release (here). The…
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employees, Glen Michaels and Alan Lewis, were alleged to have misclassified imported furniture between 2009 and 2014 as non-bedroom furniture to evade a 216% antidumping duty, the DOJ said. “Those who import and sell foreign-made goods in the United States must comply with the law, including laws intended to protect domestic companies and American workers from unfair foreign competition,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General-DOJ Civil Division Chad Readler. “This settlement reflects the Department of Justice’s commitment to pursue those who seek to evade import duties owed on goods manufactured abroad thereby gaining an unfair advantage in U.S. markets.” The settlement marks one of several involving dormitory furniture (see 1610010008). "The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability," the DOJ release says.