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ARTICLE · 14 OCTOBER 2025

Cracking Down On Customs Fraud Using The False Claims Act (Pt.1)

Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
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This is the first of a two-part discussion of the False Claims Act (FCA), a law that is increasingly being used as an enforcement tool against customs fraud.

United StatesInternational Law
Denise M. Barnes
Denise M. Barnes

This is the first of a two-part discussion of the False Claims Act (FCA), a law that is increasingly being used as an enforcement tool against customs fraud. FCA cases can be pursued by the DOJ or through "whistleblowers," who may be competitors or "disgruntled "employees. Unlike other FCA exposure, enforcement risk is not limited to healthcare companies, government contractors, or grant recipients—instead, this risk implicates all companies that import goods from outside of the U.S. We discuss not only the law but also how you might best protect your company against such claims.

False Claims Act: An Enforcement Tool in Customs Cases

Under this Administration, the Civil and Criminal Divisions of the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") stand united in making customs fraud a clear enforcement priority.

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