Practical tariff mitigation strategies for consumer product companies, importers, and independent retailers — from an attorney who has managed these issues from both the legal desk and the executive suite.
A. Brekke Law Group advises importers and consumer product companies on strategies to reduce tariff exposure, optimize supply chain structures, and identify opportunities to recover duties where appropriate.
A structured review of your current import practices — classification, valuation, and country-of-origin documentation — to identify where you're exposed and where savings are available.
One of the most powerful and underutilized tariff reduction tools available to importers. We analyze whether first sale valuation makes sense for your supply chain and implement it compliantly.
Strategic review of your sourcing structure to identify opportunities to reduce tariff exposure through compliant restructuring — including sourcing diversification and country-of-origin planning.
Poor documentation is the most common — and most avoidable — source of excess duty or customs enforcement action exposure. We review and strengthen your customs documentation to reduce errors, delays, and unexpected costs.
These are the tariff and trade challenges we most frequently help consumer product companies and independent retailers navigate.
Product line expansions or material changes that shift HTS classification — often resulting in higher duty rates than expected.
Switching suppliers quickly — especially from China to Vietnam, India, or other countries — without proper documentation creates significant compliance and cost risk.
Product descriptions that don't align across purchase orders, invoices, and customs entries — triggering audits and additional duties.
First sale valuation, classification review, and strategic planning can deliver real, recurring savings.
When tariffs increase, the question of who absorbs the cost — importer or supplier — depends entirely on your contract terms. Most aren't written with this in mind.
Many importers don't know which free trade agreements, duty drawback programs, or tariff exemptions they may qualify for — leaving significant savings unclaimed.
Every tariff mitigation engagement is designed to produce tangible, actionable outputs your team can implement — not just a memo.
A prioritized, sequenced plan of specific actions to reduce your tariff exposure where possible.
A customs-ready documentation checklist tailored to your product categories and vendor relationships — so your team knows exactly what to capture and maintain.
An estimated annual duty savings analysis based on your import volume and the specific mitigation strategies available to your business.
Under U.S. customs law, import duties are typically calculated on the price you pay your vendor — but that's not the only option. First sale valuation allows qualifying importers to calculate duties on the price the manufacturer originally sold the goods for, not the price at which your intermediary vendor sold them to you.
For eligible importers, first sale valuation can reduce the dutiable value of your goods — generating significant recurring annual savings when implemented correctly.
We analyze your supply chain structure, determine eligibility, and advise on the documentation requirements to implement this compliantly with your customs broker.
We analyze your import structure to determine if "first sale" valuation is possible.
We confirm the transaction meets Customs & Border Protection requirements for first sale treatment — including that the goods were destined for U.S. export at time of first sale.
We work with you and your vendors to establish and maintain the documentation CBP requires — factory invoices, proof of payment, purchase orders.
We coordinate with your broker to implement first sale declarations on your entries — and monitor for compliance on an ongoing basis.
Examples of tariff and trade matters handled for consumer product companies. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Results vary based on specific facts and circumstances.
Duty structuring analysis and first sale valuation implementation for a consumer products importer, resulting in seven-figure annual tariff savings.
Review of IEEPA-based duties paid, and advising on procedure for obtaining IEEPA-based tariff refunds as well as legal and operational strategies to address newly implemented tariffs.
Ongoing supply chain strategy support for multiple consumer product importers navigating rapid sourcing transitions and tariff schedule changes.
Schedule a consultation to discuss further. We'll review your import structure and identify the specific mitigation strategies that may be available to your business.
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