Express and Implied Abandonment: What you need to know

Introduction and Concepts00:00:00

The session introduces the speaker, Attorney Irwin Andaya, and defines abandonment as the renunciation of property rights over imported goods by an importer, often to discharge personal debt for duties and taxes.

Express Abandonment00:05:52

Explains express abandonment, which occurs when an importer formally signifies their intent to abandon goods via an affidavit, allowing the Bureau of Customs to assume ownership and dispose of the shipment.

Implied Abandonment Instances01:10:58

Covers the various scenarios triggering implied abandonment, including failure to lodge a goods declaration, failure to pay duties, failure to submit permits, failure to claim goods, failure to mark goods, and failure to withdraw goods from warehouses.

Periods and Procedures00:16:28

Details the 15-day period for filing goods declarations (extendable by another 15 days on valid grounds) and the importance of official notices sent to importers to ensure due process.

Penalties and Remedies01:03:52

Outlines the financial penalties, surcharges, and docket charges involved when seeking to lift an implied abandonment status or claiming proceeds from the sale of abandoned goods.