US Seeks $290 Million From California Importer Over China Tariff-Evasion Scheme
Uni-Tile & Marble Inc. allegedly used shell companies, including two registered with stolen identities, to evade duties on Chinese-made building materials.
The U.S. Department of Justice is pursuing $290 million in unpaid customs duties and fraud penalties from a California importer and its CEO. The action stems from an alleged scheme to avoid U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made kitchen cabinets, countertops, and tiles by routing goods through Malaysia, undervaluing them, and misidentifying products. The complaint covers 503 customs entries from September 2018 to August 2023.
- The DOJ is seeking $290 million from Uni-Tile & Marble Inc. and CEO Xin Mian Pan.
- The funds sought are for unpaid customs duties and fraud penalties.
- The alleged scheme involved evading U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made kitchen cabinets, countertops, and tiles.
- Methods used allegedly included routing goods through Malaysia, understating values, and misidentifying products.
- The complaint covers 503 customs entries from September 2018 through August 2023.
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