The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a whistleblower’s claim that Amazon aided foreign fur manufacturers in evading U.S. import tariffs and fees.
The court found no evidence that Amazon knew or deliberately ignored undervalued shipments or missing inspection forms from foreign manufacturers.
Driving the news: The whistleblower, Mike Henig of Henig Furs, alleged that, from 2007 to 2024, foreign sellers used fraudulent practices to undercut U.S. prices and that Amazon violated the False Claims Act.
The big picture: The panel ruled that “below-market prices alone are insufficient” to prove Amazon was aware of possible tariff evasion, upholding a previous dismissal from January 2025.
- Amazon’s legal challenges over third-party seller actions are common, but the court did not find the company responsible in this case.
State of play: The decision comes as Amazon’s 2025 revenue reportedly surpassed Walmart’s.
- Amazon and other major companies, such as Costco, FedEx, and Nike, are facing other lawsuits related to tariffs, including consumer claims for refunds on prices increased by tariffs later found unlawful.
The post Amazon wins appeal over alleged role in tariff evasion scheme appeared first on The San Joaquin Valley Sun.
