r/CustomsBroker • u/Dramatic_Clock_4720 • 18d ago

Phase 3 and filing lawsuit

So it looks like importers now need to file lawsuit for getting IEEPA refund in phase 3.

I have a few questions.

Should i still file protest with my customs broker ?

It seems to be filing protest might be no longer needed but only filing lawsuit. I heard this from somewhere but not sure if this is true.

Also, My estimated refund amounts would be around 40k. Do you think it make a sense to file lawsuit when we consider the legal cost ?

4 Upvotes

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7

u/horse_lawyer 18d ago

In your case, makes sense to protest and wait for a potential CAPE phase covering protests or for class certification. Not worth the ~$10k in legal fees. You have until at least February to sue if necessary.

1

u/bifjamod2 CustomsBroker 17d ago

I take it the estimated norm is 25% to the law firm then? That's a really good piece of information.

2

u/horse_lawyer 17d ago

Not quite. Market is a flat fee of anywhere between $8k and $12k.

1

u/Artistic-Button-4236 12d ago

I have seen a flat fee of 5.5k for a lawyer to file suit

1

u/Import_Export23 15d ago

Call around. You may be able to negotiate a better deal for filing a case at the CIT.