Leake Andersson Secures Favorable CBP Country of Origin Ruling

Leake Andersson is proud to announce a recent legal victory for our International Trade & Business team. Attorneys Eddy Hayes and Claire DiMaria successfully obtained a favorable country of origin ruling from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for one of the firm’s global manufacturing clients. 

Understanding the Case 

The case involved the client’s decision to shift critical manufacturing processes to a second country and request a determination as to whether the final product could be legally designated as originating from that country under U.S. customs law. 

The Ruling 

CBP agreed with our legal analysis that the newly implemented manufacturing steps resulted in a substantial transformation of the product components. This transformation met the legal threshold for a change in country of origin under tariff classification rules, confirming that the final product now qualifies as originating in the second country. 

Key Takeaways 

This CBP ruling provides critical clarity for our client’s tariff treatment and supports their broader global trade strategy, especially as more companies restructure supply chains across multiple jurisdictions. 

This decision underscores the importance of legal counsel in navigating complex customs compliance, particularly when dealing with origin determinations and tariff implications. Our team at Leake Andersson has deep experience handling CBP ruling requests, helping clients reduce uncertainty and align their operations with U.S. import regulations. 

International Trade & Business at Leake Andersson 

Leake Andersson maintains a specialized practice in international trade and business. We represent domestic and international business and government interests in a wide variety of international matters, including business transactions, trade issues related to antidumping/countervailing duties, and customs matters relating to classification, origination, and valuation. We also provide clients with regulatory trade compliance advice and representation before numerous federal agencies of jurisdiction.  

Our attorneys regularly litigate and serve as mediators and arbitrators in international disputes. Our practice includes trade policy representation and government affairs work on behalf of domestic and international clients at the state and federal levels. If you’re looking for representation in Louisiana, Eddy Hayes and the rest of the International Trade & Business are ready to assist.  

For more breaking news and insights from the Leake Andersson team, connect with us on LinkedIn.