ELYSSA KUTNER counsels clients on all aspects of U.S. customs law and import compliance. Elyssa was recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in International Trade from 2017–2020.
Elyssa’s practice focuses on assisting clients on all matters related to the importation of merchandise into the United States, including classification, valuation, country of origin determinations, country of origin marking requirements including use of the “Made in USA” mark, free trade agreements, duty preference programs and trade enforcement actions such as the Section 232 and Section 301 tariffs. Elyssa counsels clients across industries in developing comprehensive programs and training compliance employees. Her efforts have resulted in companies realizing significant duty savings, identifying risks and opportunities, and ensuring compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations, as well as those of other federal agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission.
Elyssa also has experience representing clients before U.S. Customs and Border Protection in administrative proceedings including audits and focused assessments, prior disclosures, protests, and ruling requests. She regularly represents clients in enforcement actions including seizures and forfeitures, and pre-penalty and penalty actions, which have resulted in the remission of merchandise and mitigation or cancellation of penalties. Elyssa’s background in customs litigation makes her uniquely qualified to handle all phases of litigation in customs and international trade matters before the U.S. Court of International Trade and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Prior to joining Sidley, Elyssa was an associate at a leading law firm in Washington, D.C. and New York where she practiced customs and import compliance in the International Trade group.