This CLE course provides an overview of one specific aspect of the international buy-sell transaction, namely the legal mechanics of importing goods into the United States. We will begin with the framework that establishes the principal importation rules, which is the treaty creating the World Trade Organization (and its predecessor, the GATT or General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade).

This overview will cover the key elements of the treaty: the most favored nation principle; national treatment; and the tariff negotiating rounds. Then we will examine the details of the import process, focusing on its three key elements: (A) What are the goods in question, i.e., where to classify them within the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)? (B) What is the value of the goods being imported? (C) What is the country of origin?

Finally, we will look at some of the ways in which various players in this system endeavor, from time to time, to manipulate the rules to reduce customs and import duties.