Cbp Form 4609 – Fill Out and Use This PDF

Cbp Form 4609 PDF Details

CBP Form 4609, officially titled "Petition for Remission or Mitigation of Forfeitures and Penalties Incurred," is issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency under 19 CFR Part 171. This government form gives individuals, businesses, and importers a formal legal channel to petition the agency for relief from a forfeiture or customs penalty determination.

Who Should Submit a Petition

You should file this form if you received a notice of seizure or a penalty claim from CBP and believe mitigating circumstances apply to your case. Eligible petitioners include importers, travelers, business owners, and legal representatives who have a documented interest in the seized goods or who contest a penalty issued by the agency. Both domestic businesses and international importers may submit a petition for remission or mitigation under federal customs law.

Documents and Information Required

Before you complete the petition, gather the following documents and information:

• The CBP seizure or penalty notice, which includes the case number and the date of the government action
• A detailed description of the seized property and its estimated value
• Certified copies or originals of bills of sale, purchase contracts, or import invoices that confirm your legal interest in the goods
• A written statement of the specific facts and circumstances that support your request for remission
• Any supporting customs documents, entry summaries, broker records, or other official materials that have been submitted to CBP

Legal Obligations and Agency Review

All information submitted in the petition must be truthful. As stated in the Paperwork Reduction Act Statement on the form, providing false information may lead to prosecution. Parts I through III must be completed in English and signed by the petitioner. The agency reviews each petition individually and issues a formal written response to the request. For additional U.S. Customs and Border Protection documentation, see the full CBP forms library on FormsPal.