Two importers have agreed to pay $6.8 million for knowingly failing to pay customs duties on plastic resin imported from China.
Global Plastics LLC and Marco Polo International LLC, both subsidiaries of MGI International LLC, settled False Claims Act charges after voluntarily disclosing the violations.
The companies admitted to misdeclaring the country of origin and value on plastic resin entries beginning in May 2019. This resulted in the underpayment of duties owed to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
“The Department will pursue those who gain an unfair trade advantage in U.S. markets, including those who knowingly evade or underpay duties owed on foreign imports,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. He noted that timely self-disclosures and cooperation can help importers “mitigate the consequences.”
MGI and its subsidiaries disclosed the violations to authorities in 2024. They conducted an internal investigation and shared their damage analysis with the government.
The companies also took remedial actions, including disciplining personnel and improving compliance procedures. These steps earned them credit under Department of Justice guidelines for cooperation.
“Companies doing business in the United States must play by the rules, including paying full custom duties owed for imports,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack for the District of New Hampshire. He emphasized that companies demonstrating “responsible corporate behavior” through self-disclosure and corrective action can receive credit.
Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Susan S. Thomas of CBP’s Office of Trade called the fraudulent practices an economic threat. “When companies use unfair trade practices and fraudulent methodologies to avoid paying customs duties, it robs the American people of revenue and undermines our economy,” she said.
The settlement resolves allegations only, without determining liability. The case was handled jointly by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.
Global Plastics operates from Manchester, New Hampshire, while Marco Polo is based in Melville, New York. Both function as subsidiaries under MGI International LLC.