On March 12, 2026, Judge Richard Eaton of the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) held a second conference with the parties in the Atmus Filtration, Inc. vs. United States, et al. litigation matter regarding the progress of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in establishing a process and procedures to allow for automated refund of
Kerem Bilge
Kerem advises U.S. and foreign clients on a broad range of international trade and customs matters. He represents clients in antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings before U.S. government agencies and courts. Kerem also assists clients with import compliance, including identifying risks and developing strategies to remain compliant with U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements.
CIT Suspends Earlier Order Directing IEEPA Tariff Refunds
On March 6, 2026, Judge Richard Eaton of the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT or Court) held a closed conference in Atmus Filtration, Inc. vs. United States, to continue the Court’s process in determining how the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs can be refunded to importers of record. At the conclusion of…
CIT Orders Refund of IEEPA Tariffs
On March 4, 2026, in Atmus Filtration, Inc. vs. United States, Judge Richard Eaton of the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) issued an order, referencing the U.S. Supreme Court’s February 20, 2026 ruling in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump declaring International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs unlawful, that: (1) “[a]ll importers…
After U.S. Supreme Court Invalidates IEEPA Tariffs, Trump Administration Turns to Other Options – What Importers Need to Know
In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the president power to impose tariffs. In response, President Donald Trump issued a temporary 10% tariff on all imports pursuant to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Importers of record…
U.S. Supreme Court Invalidates IEEPA as a Lawful Authority to Impose Tariffs
On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) in a 6-3 ruling determined that President Donald Trump’s use of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs was unlawful. In its decision, the SCOTUS stated: “When Congress grants the power to impose tariffs, it does so clearly and with careful constraints. …
Importers of Record Flood CIT with IEEPA Tariff Refund Complaints
- Hundreds of new cases have been filed at the U.S. Court of International Trade (“CIT”) since the November 5, 2025 oral arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court (“SCOTUS”) in the appeal challenging the legality of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) as the statutory authority to impose tariffs and seeking to preserve
9th Circuit Upholds a $26 Million Civil Penalty Against a Pipe Importer for Violating the False Claims Act
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a $26 million fraud verdict against a pipe importer for violating the False Claims Act (FCA) by making false statements on customs forms to avoid paying antidumping duties on Chinese-made pipe fittings. The court rejected the importer’s argument that the Tariff Act provides the exclusive remedy for…
CIT Enjoins IEEPA Tariffs but CAFC Issues Temporary Stay – Analysis & Recommendations
- On May 28, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) permanently enjoined tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), finding that he exceeded statutory and constitutional authority by imposing broad tariffs on imports from China, Canada, Mexico, and other countries.
- The CIT held that IEEPA does
DOJ Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Barco Uniforms and Affiliates for Alleged Underpayment of Customs Duties
On April 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the filing of a civil complaint against Barco Uniforms Inc., its executives Kenny and David Chan, and several affiliated companies. The complaint alleges violations of the False Claims Act (FCA) through a scheme to underpay customs duties on imported apparel. The case, originally filed…
White House Amends Automobile Parts Tariffs to Ease Burden on U.S. Automakers
On April 29, 2025, President Trump signed a Proclamation amending the previously announced tariffs on automobile parts used in passenger vehicles and light trucks. This amendment follows Proclamation 10908, which announced 25% section 232 tariffs on imports of certain final, assembled passenger vehicles and light trucks (“automobiles”), effective April 3, 2025, and imports of…
