Related Services
- CTPAT Border Security Program
- Customs & Other Agencies
- Customs Communications, Investigations & Regulatory Audits
- Customs Valuation
- Duty Drawback
- Forced Labor
- Foreign-Trade Zones & Other Duty Deferral Programs
- Free Trade Agreements & Other Preference Programs
- Import Compliance
- Product Safety
- Rules of Origin Determinations & Country of Origin Marking
- Tariff Classification
First Sale
One of the most beneficial mechanisms to reduce an importer’s duty liability is first sale customs valuation, also known as first sale for export, which allows duty to be based on the first sale between the manufacturer and a middleman/vendor in qualifying multi-tiered transactions.
ST&R is a recognized leader in achieving first sale duty savings for clients in the U.S. Our comprehensive program is dedicated to accurately identifying the duty-saving margins between the middleman/vendor and the first sale seller. We manage first sale implementation through our secure online portal, which streamlines the implementation process; provides real-time access to project status, tasks, and timelines; and secures client data to support compliance and reliable recordkeeping. In select cases, our cost shifting program allows importers to generate additional duty savings beyond first sale qualification.
Our U.S.- and Asia-based first sale professionals include former U.S. Customs (CBP) regulatory auditors and attorneys with extensive experience in valuation matters. Our Hong Kong staff includes professionals fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Taiwanese who interface directly with vendors and Asian representatives’ buying offices.
Contact us about our first sale customs valuation services
What Is First Sale Customs Valuation?
First sale customs valuation only applies for qualifying multi-tiered transactions and must be vetted before implementation. Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg has been a leader in establishing and maintaining first sale as a duty-savings mechanism since ST&R attorneys first litigated the case that established the first sale rule under U.S. law in 1988. When CBP threatened to discontinue first sale in 2008, ST&R organized and led the coalition and lobbying effort that resulted in legislation that in effect saved first sale, and our team of valuation experts has led the charge to preserve importers' right to first sale benefits ever since.
Learn More About First Sale Customs Valuation
- ST&R
- ST&R
On-Demand Library
- given live 10/02/18
- given live 1/31/19
Publications
- January 16, 2019
- September 7, 2018
- July 11, 2018
- January 18, 2018
- January 4, 2018
- September 23, 2016
News Alerts & Advisories
- September 21, 2016
- Customs Officials Ease Back on Changes for First-Sale Rule [California Apparel News]September 18, 2014
- First Sale Rule to Remain Unchanged for Now [Sourcing Journal]September 11, 2014
- First Sale in crosshairs [American Shipper]August 17, 2014
- U.S. Customs Could Hinder Importers’ Use of First Sale Rule [Sourcing Journal]July 10, 2014
- July 9, 2014
