On September 8, local time, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the seizure of an import shipment comprising more than 8,500 sheets of Falcata plywood. The shipment was seized in Baltimore on August 27 and appraised by CBP at approximately USD 142,400. Import documentation declared the goods as coming from Indonesia, with a value of nearly USD 19,000. Following an investigation, however, CBP determined that the plywood originated in China and identified issues involving the importer’s identity and shipping invoices. The case also involves U.S. antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) requirements.

Key Highlights 

• Plywood seized: CBP seized more than 8,500 sheets of Falcata plywood in Baltimore. 

• Country of origin: The shipment was declared as coming from Indonesia, but CBP determined that the goods originated in China. 

• Import documentation: The case involves the importer’s identity, commercial documentation, and applicable AD/CVD measures.

More Than 8,500 Plywood Sheets Seized amid Significant Valuation Discrepancy

CBP said the plywood shipment was initially examined on July 9. Import documentation declared the goods as coming from Indonesia, valued the shipment at nearly USD 19,000, and listed a destination near Denver, United States. Following further investigation, CBP seized more than 8,500 sheets of Falcata plywood on August 27 and appraised the shipment at approximately USD 142,400. The discrepancy between the declared value and CBP’s appraisal formed part of the agency’s investigation into the import declaration.

CBP Determines Chinese Origin and Identifies Problems with Import Documents

As the investigation progressed, CBP found that a false importer identity had been used in the documentation and that a shipping invoice had been altered. According to CBP, the party whose identity was used confirmed that it had not ordered the plywood and had no connection to the importer involved in the case. After further investigation, CBP determined that the goods originated in China and said the case involved U.S. antidumping and countervailing duty requirements.

It is important to distinguish between the declared place of shipment and the country of origin. An import declaration showing that goods came from Indonesia does not necessarily mean that Indonesia is their country of origin. For imports into the United States, the actual country of origin, importer information, commercial invoices, and other trade documents must be accurate and consistent. Discrepancies between the declared information and the underlying shipment may prompt further customs scrutiny.

Third-Country Transshipment Is Not Itself a Violation

Based on the information released by CBP, the case also involves Chinese-origin goods transshipped through a third country and U.S. AD/CVD measures. However, third-country transshipment does not in itself constitute a violation. Transit, storage, and transportation through a third country are standard international logistics arrangements. The key issues are whether the country of origin has changed, whether the import declaration is accurate, and whether false declarations have been used to circumvent U.S. trade measures.

For freight forwarders, trading companies, and importers handling U.S.-bound shipments, this case highlights the importance of consistency among the country of origin, importer identity, declared value, and commercial documentation. Particular care should be taken with products subject to AD/CVD measures and goods processed or transshipped through third countries where country-of-origin documentation is more complex. The relevant information should be verified before shipment and customs clearance to reduce the risk of additional inspections, cargo detention, and additional duties resulting from inconsistent documentation or declarations.

The case remains under investigation, and CBP has yet to announce the outcome.

Sources and Disclaimer 

Sources include U.S. Customs and Border Protection and publicly available industry information. This article is provided solely for reference by the international logistics and freight forwarding industry. Import and customs clearance requirements remain subject to the latest notices issued by the relevant authorities and companies.