The first sale rule is a highly effective method for lowering import tariffs, including Section 201, 232, and 301 tariffs. It allows duty to be based on the lower-priced sale of goods from the manufacturer to a middleman/vendor in qualifying multi-tiered transactions rather than the higher-priced sale from the middleman/vendor to the importer.
Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg litigated the case that established the first sale rule under U.S. law in 1988 and in 2008 led a coalition that secured legislation affirming first sale when U.S. Customs and Border Protection threatened to discontinue it. ST&R has also developed a secure online portal for first sale clients that streamlines the implementation process; provides real-time access to project status, tasks, and timelines; and secures client data to support compliance and reliable recordkeeping.
Why Use ST&R’s First Sale Valuation Services
Cost savings: We’ve successfully implemented hundreds of first sale programs that have saved hundreds of millions of dollars in duties for qualifying companies.
Certainty: First sale offers a proven way to lower tariffs in an uncertain global trade environment.
Experience: Our U.S.- and Asia-based first sale professionals include former regulatory auditors and attorneys with extensive experience in valuation matters and fluency in local languages and dialects.