Customs seized my money , importing goods into the US is not a right - it’s a privilege. You will have 30 days to file a petition or 35 days to make an offer in Jul 19, 2025 · What Happens to Items Seized by Customs? A customs seizure initiates a formal administrative process. Customer: NC Lawyer's Assistant: What steps have you taken so far? Customer: I contacted the carrier DHL and they told me the package was detained, then I contacted the seller and they didn’t really help me figure out why Lawyer's Assistant: Is Jan 6, 2017 · If you do receive this form, be sure it is properly filled out and contains how much money was seized, the officer seizing the property, and contact information. Whether it's the DEA seizing cash, cash confiscated at an airport, or a customs cash seizure, the process to get the money returned can be lengthy and complex. Failure to declare such funds can result in severe consequences, including cash seizure and additional penalties. Oct 16, 2025 · What happens if a package is seized by Customs Canada? Read more to know what to do and get tips for hassle-free cross-border shipping. After a couple days everything is in my warehouse and ready to ship, but I’m only scared that my package will get seized and that I wasted my moms money. Have such a case myself but prefer Filing a petition, claim, or offer in compromise after CBP seized cash? Not sure what is the best option? Customs lawyer provides answers. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seizes and forfeits hundreds of millions of dollars of merchandise every year. to detain the items for examination. Currency hidden in sanitary napkins seized by Customs. What to Do If Your Cash Is Seized If your cash is seized by customs at the border, it’s essential to take the following steps: Remain Calm and Compliant: Interactions with CBP officers can be stressful, but it’s important to remain calm and comply with their instructions. Did you receive a Notice that looks like this from CBP? What Does This Notice Mean? U. Jun 23, 2023 · Quick Answer Yes, U. See cash seized at airport. I expect they think it’s an itar violation and want you to pay for atf import forms to be approved. ⚖ A petition for return of seized cash is a legal document that can be used to get seized cash back from customs, even if CBP does not require any form. What Does This Notice Mean? When traveling to the U. Seizures by CBP are also common at Amtrak train stations, bus stations, and on the roadways. Yeah the first customs agent didn’t ask about money; the second one did and my dad answered truthfully. You’ve got a narrow window of time to act and potentially reverse the seizure. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) can seize cash from travelers on domestic flights—those traveling within the United States, even if they never leave the country. Sep 11, 2025 · For 20 years, Marcia* has lived and worked in the US, saving diligently with the hope of one day purchasing land back home in Jamaica. How are these laws Sep 28, 2023 · How Do I Know If Customs Seized My Package? Learn signs, steps to resolve, and avoid seizures. CBP can detain any shipment that is being imported Dec 2, 2024 · Having your money seized by Customs can be a distressing situation and can quickly suck the joy out of traveling. § 151. S. In your seizure notice, you are provided a Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures (FP&F) case number and assigned a paralegal. What does the government do with the seized assets? Money seized by U. Fortunately, a friend of mine referred me to Jacek Lentz. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can seize a vehicle under various circumstances. However, there are specific steps you can take to navigate the process and increase your chances of recovering the seized funds. Customer: I have a package seized by customs what will happen Lawyer's Assistant: What state are you in? It matters because laws vary by location. This article explains what you have to do and how a seizure and forfeiture attorney can help. CBP Money Seizure Money is one of the most common seized assets our office encounters from CBP. DHgate wants evidence on the seizure, such as an official letter from customs or post office. For example, CBP can seize a vehicle if it's suspected of being used in connection with the illegal transportation of contraband, such as illegal drugs or smuggled goods, Sep 6, 2010 · U. Learn more on PCBUSA! 1 day ago · A new case of undeclared money by a Cuban traveler has raised alarms again in Panama. Customs, all of the money is likely to be seized on the spot by U. Oct 10, 2025 · Customs agents call these types of seizures either: “failure to report seizures” or “undisclosed currency seizures. Read the blogs and latest news under the category currency seizure published at Abady Law Firm, P. May 4, 2020 · Was your money seized at a US airport by Customs or other law enforcement agency? All hope is not lost. . In the next section, we will discuss the various ways security agencies can seize your money at airports. Dec 17, 2023 · Discover what happens if your imported goods are seized by customs. Many people ask us: “Can I get my money back if it is seized at the airport as unreported currency?” Yes, an attorney may be able to help you recover all the money, even if you didn’t file the FinCEN 105 form. Wapiennik of Great Lakes Customs Law explains what happens after you have had money seized by Customs. Read our guide now and protect your business. This article will summarize the key things you need to know if your shipment ends up stuck in customs at its destination. U. Jun 9, 2021 · 1. The case is then referred to the Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures (FP&F) office within three working days. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) with respect to seized goods and currency and obtaining the release of their property from CBP. They are required to send a seizure notice within 5 days of confiscating your items. What happens next? If Customs seizes your items, you should receive a notice of seizure in the mail. Apr 17, 2019 · Have you found yourself in trouble with U. February 16, 2021 By Trade, Customs and Import, Export Attorney in Attorney, Import Export Attorney, U. Aug 31, 2025 · What Happens If Your Package Gets Seized? Get clear, actionable insights into the formal process and potential outcomes following a package seizure. When law enforcement agencies seize cash, it can be a daunting and often bewildering experience for those involved. Depending on the violation, Customs will issue a seizure notice. We assist individuals who have had a Customs money seizure to get seized currency returned from CBP. Customs agents might seize money before an international or domestic flight, especially if you carry over $10,000 in cash. When the DEA seized a significant amount of money from my house, I didn't know what to do. Learn about the reasons for seizures, consequences, and how to get your goods back. CBP Money Seizure Money is one of the most common seized assets our office encounters. Customs detained or seized my internet purchase. e. Jun 10, 2009 · My understanding is that anything over $100 requires a Form 6, I just wasn't sure if that applied to buying things from overseas but apparently it does. Postal Inspection Service deals with mail-related seizures. If CBP believes the items violate trademark or copyright laws, they may also notify the rights After U. Treasury Department. You likely have questions about why it’s being held, what needs to happen for it to be released, and how long the delay will be. Customs from the CES to a Seized Property warehouse. At this time, Customs will also notify the importer, customs broker or attorney with an explanation for the detention. While CBP typically operates at international borders and airports, it also has authority to oversee cash seizures on domestic Aug 9, 2023 · Having a package held by customs can be worrying. 15 crore hidden inside a car smuggled from Karnataka. What are US Federal Customs Seizure Laws? These laws empower the US Customs and Border Protection to seize goods that violate trade regulations, protecting national security and ensuring compliance with import standards. The notice of seizure will explain what your options are. Customs and Border Protection. ON THIS PAGE: Understanding US Customs Asset Seizures Initial Steps in the Seizure Process Options for Responding to a Seizure Legal Procedures and Timelines What items are commonly seized by US Customs? How can I retrieve seized assets from US Customs? What is the role of a customs attorney in asset seizure cases? What are […] What happens if customs seized my package? If a violation does occur, the merchandise will be seized by U. Jun 25, 2010 · U. Johnson of Snell & Wilmer, L. US Customs seized my items and got May 17, 2022 · A new made wooden stock is completely legal, but don’t expect the morons at customs to know that. Someone mentioned in another thread mentioned having Customs seize theirs as well. has an embargo, food or medical devices not in compliance with FDA regulations, or motorcycles not ap-proved by the Environmental Protec-tion Agency (EPA), to name a few examples. Authorities said the cash was being illegally transported into the state, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb black money, tax evasion, and financial crimes. This time, inspectors from the National Customs Authority seized 10,100 dollars hidden inside a pair of jeans from a passenger arriving from Havana at Tocumen International Airport, as reported by the institution itself on Facebook. law requires that any currency or monetary equivalents over $10,000 be declared upon entering or leaving the country. Customs and Border Protection handles international cases and highway interdictions. com Jul 16, 2023 · Discovering that your money has been seized by US Customs can be a distressing situation. Customs may seize goods if they are contrary to law. So should I be worried about being seized in the US. Understanding the procedures and knowing what steps to take Jul 11, 2025 · Top Ten Things to Know About Getting Your Vehicle Back After a CBP Seizure U. or foreign coins and currency; Travelers checks (in any form); Negotiable Instruments (including checks, promissory notes, and money orders Dec 2, 2024 · After you have had cash seized at the airport, the first and most crucial step is to get in touch with experienced asset forfeiture and seizure lawyer. If your cash is seized at the border, you have the right to challenge the seizure and seek the return of your funds through legal proceedings. Customs. Learn how to avoid import detentions and seizures. Customs, it is essential to act quickly and seek legal counsel. Once the merchandise is seized, the file is forwarded by the U. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U. After 35 days has passed, the cargo must be seized or released. or foreign money, is discovered, and the required form, FINCEN Form 105, has not been filed with U. Feb 1, 2010 · If over $10,000 in monetary instruments, including travelers checks and U. See our recent forfeiture results here. This notice will list the items seized, the laws violated, and the options you have to contest the seizure. Jan 5, 2017 · Customs has 35 days from the time of arrival of the items in the U. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), or the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)? We are determined to help you. Jun 23, 2025 · Our firm has years of experience handling airport money seizures nationwide, and we take care of everything from paperwork to negotiations. S. Customs officer to the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Office (FP&F). Sep 26, 2023 · Wondering How Do I Know If Customs Seized My Package? Learn how to confirm, reasons behind it, and steps to resolve the issue. Protect your shipments with our expert advice. Jul 11, 2025 · Call San Diego Defenders if Your Money Was Seized by Customs or Postal Inspectors! If your cash was seized by Customs at the airport or by USPIS through the mail, don’t wait to take action. Gain insight into the post-seizure framework and the options available to property owners. As we heard at the ERAI Executive Conference from Brett W. Customs and Border Protection Tags: 105 Form, airport seizure, cash esizure, CBP, Currency, currency seizure, Customs, Detroit Metropolitan, Fincen, Money Seizure Leave a comment Get all of your questions answered by a customs lawyer. Customs must follow, and Jul 21, 2024 · Traveling with large sums of cash can sometimes lead to unexpected complications, such as having your money seized by airport authorities. See Also: Customs Cash Seized What Are My Rights If Cash Is Seized During a Traffic Stop? Apr 23, 2024 · What does receiving a “what is a customs notice of seizure” mean for you? This urgent communication from US Customs and Border Protection indicates that your goods have been seized due to suspected customs violations. There is, fortunately, a set of rules that U. Sep 18, 2025 · Every day during 2022, CBP officers and agents seized an average of about $217,700 in unreported or illicit currency. The purpose of this requirement is to prevent money laundering, tax evasion, and other illegal activities. L. The merchandise is then transported by U. Whether it’s the DEA seizing your cash, money confiscated at the airport by security, or a customs cash seizure, knowing the proper steps to take can make a significant difference in your ability to recover your money. If you have to travel with a large amount of money, you may find yourself asking, “What should I do if my cash is seized at the airport?” This situation can be confusing and overwhelming, but understanding the steps to take can help you navigate this challenging experience and hopefully 🔔 Subscribe for more Travel English tips & warnings!#shorts#airportenglish#customs#undeclaredcash#seized#traveltips#learnenglish#travelmistakes#slow english The case was item not received and the reasoning is because it was seized by customs. Apr 22, 2015 · Typically, you have two avenues of redress, administrative processing of the seizure and judicial forfeiture under Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 2000 (CAFRA). Nov 9, 2023 · That data shows that at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport just one agency, Customs and Border Protection, seized more than $108 million in cash from travelers between 2000 and 2016. You need to contact them and find out what they want - my guess is money. I think the goods are fake (not genuine, counterfeit, etc). Customs and Border Protection is deposited with the U. Can CBP Seize My Money on a Domestic Flight? Yes. The Apr 18, 2017 · We explain the basics of Title 31 currency seizures issued by CBP, and how we can help you fight a seizure or forfeiture and get your money back. The attorney you work with should have substantial experience in cases relating to money seized at airports—this is the case for the legal team at Tsigler Law. After receiving the notice, the alleged Requirements for Claim: A claim must describe the seized property, state your ownership or other interest in the property, and be made under oath, subject to penalty of perjury or meet the requirements of an unsworn statement under penalty of perjury. These agencies work fast, and there are strict deadlines you must meet to get your money back, or else all will be lost to the Government. It is a complicated process and if your money is seized you will receive a confusing letter that does not explain the pros and cons of the way you ELECT to proceed after receiving the Notice of Where “merchandise may be seized and forfeited,” Customs may instead “deny entry and permit the merchandise to be [re]exported. Click the link below to check out our booklets and learn how we can help guide you through this. I would have to know more about your case to advise you which avenue is likely to lead to you getting some or all of your money back. Attorney, I received a letter from LV importing counterfeit bag, wallet, and shirts. I uploaded the email I got from UPS. He went right to work as he is aware of the very strict time limitations set by the government and got Most seizures occur at major airline hubs. 16 (j). Arguing or resisting can escalate the situation. , the alleged violator to let them know their package has been seized. To illustrate the regulatory framework governing the detention of Nov 15, 2021 · If Customs seizes an illegal package, it goes through the legal process. Customs seizes the package, it sends the file to the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Office (FP&F), which then prepares a legal Seizure Notice explaining the time and place of seizing the cargo. A copy of the Seizure Notice is also sent to the owner of the package, i. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), there are specific procedures you need to follow in order to seek the return of your property. Sep 24, 2025 · The money can be seized, even if no criminal charges are ever filed. If your merchandise is seized, you have options. ” 19 C. Since customs seizures are a matter of national security, the process for seeking the return of seized property is rigorous, and both U. See customs money seized. See full list on greatlakescustomslaw. This article outlines the crucial actions you should take if Jan 17, 2014 · Customs seized my money! What do I do now? If you have had money seized by customs please make use of the other information available on this website or call our office at (734) 855-4999 to speak to a customs lawyer, or e-mail us through our contact page. Nov 3, 2009 · Every day, U. The IRS, DEA, Postal Service, and other Federal agencies also have the legal authority to seized and forfeit merchandise that were allegedly used illegally or were proceeds of alleged illegal activity, but CBP administrative and judicial forfeiture proceedures are unique. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will notify you if they seize your package. Domestically, the DEA and Homeland Security are involved, while U. Get answers here. But she said that dream is slipping away after local customs authorities allegedly seized nearly US$9,000 (approximately J$1. If you have had goods, merchandise, or currency seized by U. Jan 30, 2025 · Learn about the implications and next steps if your package is seized by authorities, including potential legal consequences and how to respond. I have email communications from UPS telling me what I just said, under declared value and branded logos that need authorization. R. 💲 The custody receipt for seized property from Customs is proof of the cash seizure and helps protect your rights to retrieve the seized money. “Monetary instruments” include: U. Jan 1, 2025 · Traveling can be stressful enough without the added anxiety of losing money to airport authorities. The process of getting back your property can be a harrowing one fraught with bureaucratic delays. Going through Customs, terminals, and security checks is already enough of an inconvenience, and unexpectedly having cash confiscated only makes matters much worse. Jun 19, 2020 · US Customs Seized Money Going Into Mexico for Failure to Report $10,000,00? The Customs Agent exclaimed “More Money for Overtime!” The U. You can still recover your money. C. He didn’t lie to any customs agent and he was exhausted coming from a multi-hour flight from Asia and wasn’t exactly paying attention as he was half asleep. Following the seizure, Customs must send you a CAFRA Notice of Seizure that further details the seizure (why it was seized, date, location seized, and additional facts). Jacek's knowledge of the forfeiture laws and experience enable him to get the best possible results. ” Sometimes agents with Customs will return a small portion of the seized money for “humanitarian reasons” and leave you with a receipt. F. The U. Have you received your notice yet? If the shipper/importer takes no action, the next step is to send one to the recipient. and transporting more than $10,000, you must declare the exact amount of “monetary currency” you are transporting to U. The DEA or customs agent could accuse you of holding illegal money or transporting money to use on unlawful things like human trafficking. Customs and Border Protection officers at the airports, seaports, and other border crossings, stop, examine, detain, and seize merchandise from both travelers and commercial cargo importers and exporters. P. Customs oficers may exam-ine cargo to look for illegal drugs, counterfeit merchandise, merchan-dise from a country with which the U. I didn't think I would get any of it back. In this article, we outline what the notice includes and the critical actions to take without Finding yourself in a situation where your cash has been seized at the airport can be overwhelming and stressful. Jan 1, 2025 · In the event your money is seized by U. My goods were seized by US CustomsIs it OK to “do nothing”? Anne-Liese Heinichen When US Customs detains your shipment, not receiving your goods may be the least of your problems. Find out what to do to prevent expensive problems. 4 million) in cash that she said she truthfully declared before leaving the US. Nov 4, 2025 · The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer that seized the property will forward the case to the appropriate supervisor for approval within 24 hours. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the complex process of contesting the seizure and help you build a strong defense. Jan 29, 2020 · In this video, customs attorney Jason P. Marcia told THE STAR that she arrived on the island 3 days ago · Kerala Customs Department seized Rs 3. But you must act quickly. Customs and Border has started to ask US citizens (and Visa holders) “how much money do you have on you today? In this case, my client was scheduled to have a surgical procedure, Customs Seizure Lawyers Customs Seizure Lawyers The Customs Seizure Lawyers at the National Security Law Firm assists individuals in the filing of administrative petitions with U. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) typically seizes money at border crossings, checkpoints, and law enforcement stops. Additionally, United States Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) officers may identify the merchandise as not properly classified when it entered the United States. citizens and foreign nationals must take a series of specific Feb 15, 2025 · Learn the implications of ignoring a customs seizure letter, including potential penalties and legal consequences, and understand the process involved. hkr smshg oovnpcip zcjyl gwqbu flv xgon yautpz lklva ufjnast srsmn xogi zzawio yybhtog yto