Individual Found Personally Liable for Violation of U.S. Import Laws

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“CAFC”) recently found the president of an importing company personally liable for gross negligence in connection with undervaluing merchandise imported by the company.1 The decision makes clear that individuals who act for or on behalf of importing companies can face civil liability under 19 U.S.C. § 1592 if merchandise imported into the United States is entered in violation of the U.S. import laws.