Commerce international et droit douanier aux États-Unis

Tariff Classification

Tariff classification is a key element of international trade, influencing duty rates and trade restrictions. Proper classification can reduce costs and avoid government scrutiny, while mistakes may lead to fines, penalties, and delays in shipment delivery.

Kramer International Law’s expertise in the complex US classification rules enables us to leverage every available tool to secure favourable classifications while ensuring compliance.

We assist clients in using all legal options to lower or prevent import tariffs, including Section 232 tariffs on aluminum and steel products and Section 301 tariffs on imports from China.

We utilize responses to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inquiries (including CF 28s and CF 29s), protests, and other administrative measures to challenge CBP’s assertions that the goods fall under high-duty Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) classifications, and thereby reduce the duty burden on importers.

Proactive compliance reviews and programs can uncover extra savings, reduce costs, and lessen the burden of CBP enforcement actions.

Valuation for Customs

The customs value of an imported item directly influences duties, taxes, and fees, making it essential to regularly review how your company's transactions are organized, reported, and appraised. Transaction value—defined as the actual price paid or payable for the goods when sold for export—is the most widely used method globally, including in the US. This valuation includes various costs such as commissions, assists, royalties, and license fees.

Other valuation methods can sometimes be employed, but they may involve complex calculations. An incorrect valuation or selecting the wrong methodology can lead to higher duty costs and even fines or penalties for failing to exercise reasonable care. Conversely, using a favourable valuation approach or duty-saving strategy can improve efficiency and reduce expenses.

By accurately valuing import transactions, Kramer International Law aims to assist clients in reducing their liability for import tariffs, including Section 232 tariffs on aluminum and steel products and Section 301 tariffs on imports from China.

We explore restructuring international transactions to reduce their dutiable value, utilizing methods such as the first sale rule, transfer pricing adjustments, and other strategies.

Audits and Investigations

We assist companies subject to CBP scrutiny in identifying gaps, documenting compliance, and reducing potential negative outcomes.

Country of Origin

The country of origin of a product can influence its duty rate and eligibility for preference programs, as well as determine if it is subject to anti-dumping or countervailing duties, trade sanctions, or other import restrictions. Failing to correctly identify the country of origin and mark imported goods with this information can lead to penalties, loss of duty preferences, and the risk of detention or seizure.

In today’s global supply chains, identifying the country of origin can be complex. Many free trade agreements and preference programs mandate that goods undergo substantial transformation in a partner country to qualify for duty benefits. However, when products are processed in or contain parts from multiple countries, verifying compliance becomes difficult. Additionally, since origin rules differ by agreement or program, a product's country of origin may vary depending on the specific rule applied.

At Kramer International Law, we assist you in gaining a deeper understanding of your products, production processes, and sourcing patterns. This can help ensure compliance, prevent issues, and even identify potential cost savings.

Careful analysis can reveal methods to organize supply chains so that an imported product's origin qualifies it for favorable duty rates or exemption from higher tariffs under Section 232, Section 301, and other US trade laws.

In the current US environment of Section 232 and Section 301 retaliatory duties, we assist clients with exclusion request proceedings before the relevant US government agencies. Additionally, we help clients develop and implement customs compliance programs tailored to their specific business needs.

Imported goods do not need to be marked with a foreign country of origin if they contain enough domestic content and are not substantially transformed abroad. This helps companies save money and creates opportunities to promote products as made in the US. If that is not feasible, key production processes can be adjusted so that products qualify for more favourable labeling regarding their origin.

Kramer International Law aims to assist companies in obtaining favourable rulings from CBP on complex origin issues, which provides greater certainty regarding import duty, marking, and other matters for long-term business planning.

Anti-Forced Labor Laws

US law bans the import of goods produced, manufactured or mined, wholly or partly, in any foreign country using forced labor, including convict, indentured, and forced child labour. Enforcement of this ban is increasing, with shipment detentions under the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act (UFLPA) or the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), as well as through legislation such as Withhold Release Orders (WRO).

Importers must now ensure full supply chain transparency from the point of extraction, growth, or original input creation, not just rely on conditions known from their tier one suppliers.

Importers should thus take proactive measures to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.

Kramer International Law reviews companies’ current compliance status, tests existing measures, and helps create remedial protocols. We also support the development and implementation of effective due diligence strategies, including updating audit procedures, creating questionnaires, and drafting corporate policies such as compliance and vendor manuals. Additionally, we assist with vendor agreements and related documents, as well as training materials. Our team collaborates with legal, procurement, and corporate social responsibility departments to ensure that all relevant staff understand the implications of forced labor laws and regulations.

If your shipment is detained, we review your contracts, purchase orders, and other communications to reduce the impact and restore your operations. We also advocate for company interests before agencies like CBP, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and keep an eye on their related regulations and policies.

We leverage companies’ existing corporate social responsibility and customs compliance resources, ensuring our approach is efficient, cost-effective, and quickly implemented.

CBP Requests for Information (CF 28) and Notice of Action (CF 29)

CBP issues a CF 28 (Request for Information) when it requires more details to accurately determine a product's classification, valuation, origin, eligibility for duty preferences, or compliance with applicable rules and regulations.

A CBP CF 29 (Notice of Action) indicates that CBP plans to or has already taken measures to assess correct duties and ensure compliance with regulations.

Both CF 28s and CF 29s demand prompt responses, and failing to address them seriously can lead to increased costs and possibly fines and penalties.

Importers can reduce the risk of receiving a CF 28 or CF 29 by requesting a ruling from CBP that addresses questions on the issues mentioned above regarding shipments they plan to make. Likewise, they can seek internal advice from CBP if transactions are already in progress and they disagree with CBP's treatment of them.

Protests

Protests are the sole method to contest a CBP decision after an entry has been "liquidated," meaning CBP has finalized the duties, taxes, and fees owed on imported goods. Filing a protest may reduce duties or simplify regulatory compliance. Although there is no required format for protests, they must be submitted within 180 days of the liquidation date.

Kramer International Law assists companies in responding effectively to CBP inquiries to minimize negative impacts and aims to secure rulings beneficial to their operations. We also identify when filing a protest would be advantageous, compile and submit impactful protests, and advocate for our clients' interests before CBP to enhance the likelihood of a successful resolution.

Rulings or Protests Services?

We can identify the most effective tool for your specific situation and desired results.

Our representation can assist in reducing the likelihood of penalties, delays, and other operational disruptions.

Trademarks & Copyrights

Intellectual property (IP) can be a significant part of your product's value to consumers, so it is crucial to understand it properly, use it effectively, and protect it against potential infringement by competitors.

If you're importing or exporting branded goods, ensure you have proper authorization from the rights holder and implement measures to prevent counterfeit or pirated products. Recently, CBP has stepped up its scrutiny of both imports and exports for intellectual property rights violations, leading to more detentions, seizures, and penalties.

Protecting your own IP can help safeguard your brand. Distribution and licensing agreements can enhance your brand and increase your portfolio's value, and effective registration, recording, and monitoring of your IP internationally can help defend that value by preventing infringement.

If IP violations are identified, rights holders can take legal action in court or pursue Section 337 infringement claims at the International Trade Commission (ITC), which may provide quicker resolution and remedies such as preventing infringing goods from entering the US. Section 337 infringement claims at the ITC are strong, fast-moving administrative cases that target unfair practices, especially IP theft (patents, trademarks) by imported goods. They provide exclusion orders and cease-and-desist orders (not damages) to stop infringing products at the border, serving as a quicker, specialized alternative to district courts for protecting domestic industries from unfair competition.

Importers also need to understand that the value of IP (such as royalty payments and licensing fees) is usually included in the dutiable value of their goods and can therefore increase the duty payable.

Gray Market Goods

Branded goods can be legally imported into the US by anyone when purchased abroad (gray market imports), unless the brand owner enforces restrictions. However, brand owners frequently do not restrict imports, gray market importers often struggle to identify and legally import goods, and CBP frequently interrupts supply chains by questioning if shipments are properly licensed, legal, or authentic.

Kramer International Law assists brand owners and gray market importers in understanding, complying with, and addressing CBP decision-making on these matters.

Purchasing authentic gray market products abroad and importing them into the US for resale is subject to increased CBP scrutiny. We advise companies on adhering to relevant regulations.

CBP can detain, seize, and impose substantial fines for importing infringing goods or failing to properly report dutiable IP. Our pre-compliance reviews serve as helpful tools for importers to prevent unintended violations.

We support companies falsely accused of infringing intellectual property rights under Section 337 to resolve detentions and seizures, helping them bring their goods into US commerce.

Kramer International Law assists companies in properly recording their IP with CBP, which then monitors and seizes infringing imports on behalf of the rights holder and can impose monetary penalties on those illegally importing goods bearing registered IP.

Quotas, Licenses & Permits

Absolute quotas, tariff-rate quotas, and other import restrictions set limits on the quantity of specific products that can be imported into the US, either outright or at standard duty rates, during specific periods. Currently, they are mostly used for agricultural products, such as sugar-containing items and some dairy products, as well as iron and steel articles subject to Section 232 restrictions.

These measures can significantly influence sourcing choices and import costs, so Kramer International Law assists companies in complying with applicable restrictions and leveraging them to their benefit whenever possible, both before and after importation.

For example, shipping goods early or obtaining necessary licenses or permits to qualify for in-quota treatment can significantly lower import duties. Conversely, neglecting these steps can lead to higher costs.

Furthermore, having a clear understanding of tariff preference levels can assist importers in reducing duty rates for textile and apparel goods that do not qualify for benefits under free trade agreements or preference programs, but they must first obtain permits.

Our understanding of the relevant laws and regulations enables us to help you import your goods smoothly and economically.

Understanding quota limits and requirements, and acting promptly within set timeframes, can lead to substantial savings on duty and other import costs. We can also assist you in claiming savings if you miss the initial requirements or quota deadlines.

We can help you gain an advantage over competitors by optimizing your chances of importing goods subject to quotas or other restrictions into the US, or by assisting you in finding alternative, unrestricted sources of supply.

Government Procurement

US federal law limits certain government purchases to goods and services that meet US preference or domestic content requirements, including the Buy American Act of 1933 (BAA), the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (TAA), and various executive agency-specific “Buy America” laws and regulations.

As these rules become more prominent, companies that sell directly to the federal government, as well as subcontractors, sub-tier subcontractors, or suppliers involved in federal procurements, need to stay compliant with ongoing changes to successfully sell to the government.

Kramer International Law offers tailored training for companies on BAA, TAA, and other “Buy America” regulations, including compliance for specific products.

We additionally examine strategic product sets and SKUs to assess their eligibility and compliance with BAA/TAA/Buy America requirements.

Additionally, we prepare and submit country of origin determination rulings to CBP for specific products/SKUs to assess whether a substantial transformation has taken place in a TAA-designated country and, consequently, whether the product complies with TAA requirements.

We also review the contract terms and conditions related to specific products or services to evaluate BAA, TAA, or Buy America applicability.

CBP enforces trade laws and regulations managed by numerous federal and state agencies. We help clients navigate these complex, interconnected requirements, enabling us to assist you in identifying and understanding those applicable to your business, developing and implementing compliance plans and procedures, and avoiding or reducing shipment detentions, seizures, and penalties.

Whether it involves assessing a specific product for compliance with government procurement regulations or creating a company-wide training and compliance program around these topics, Kramer International Law collaborates directly with company stakeholders to reduce risk and boost sales.

If your products are subject to government procurement rules based on country of origin, Kramer International Law can help you assess whether they meet current requirements. If they do not, we can advise on additional steps to bring these products into compliance.

Our expertise enhances compliance for your organization and creates expanded sales opportunities to help improve your bottom line.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) & Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

The FDA oversees foods, beverages, dietary supplements, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices. The FSMA and related laws enforce detailed requirements for importers, exporters, manufacturers, and distributors. These regulations address product development, good manufacturing practices, facility registration, testing, approval, classification, labeling, advertising, appointing US agents, and ensuring supply chain security.

Knowledgeable importers create and execute plans to ensure compliance with these requirements, reducing the risk of costly enforcement actions such as detentions, warning letters, inspections, refusal of entry, product recalls, and possible liquidated damages claims.

We also assist importers of FDA-regulated products to ensure adherence to relevant import and export laws and provide guidance on labeling and marking requirements set by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Both federal and state laws require certain product testing, certification, and recordkeeping for a variety of imported goods, including clothing and electronics.

Children’s products must undergo extra certification, labeling, and testing before being imported. Non-compliant goods may be detained, denied entry, seized, or destroyed. Importers, manufacturers, and distributors can face hefty fines and penalties. Moreover, recalls of noncompliant products can harm a company’s finances and reputation.

The CPSC vigorously monitors and inspects imports for compliance with its regulations. Any alleged violation, even a paperwork violation like missing an acceptable certificate of conformity or a children's product certificate, can and often does lead to a recommendation to CBP to detain or seize the goods in question.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Enforcing environmental standards is a key trade goal for the US and its trading partners. Companies are required to adhere to US environmental regulations like the Toxic Substances Control Act (TCSA), the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the Lacey Act, and other related laws for relevant products.

The EPA enforces strict requirements on the import and export of pesticides, ozone-depleting substances, certain chemicals, vehicles and engines, fuels, electronic waste, and other potentially environmentally harmful goods. These regulations cover areas such as production, labeling, certification, notification, and recordkeeping.

Additionally, the US is creating new laws and regulations to tackle global environmental issues like climate change, deforestation, and fisheries management. These measures are currently affecting, and will increasingly influence, company trade activities overall and US imports specifically.

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) & Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Trade in most agricultural products is regulated by the USDA, which oversees various laws and regulations that establish specific requirements and restrictions, from country of origin labelling to organic certification.

APHIS has extra requirements that specifically apply to agricultural products.

Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS)

Importing and exporting wildlife shipments, including products derived from wildlife or wildlife parts, requires a license from the FWS, must be declared on a designated form, and typically must be shipped through an FWS-approved port. Additionally, export permits and re-export certificates are necessary for wildlife regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

FWS requirements might apply to shipments that CBP does not usually classify as imports or exports, like those stored in a bonded warehouse or a foreign trade zone.

Other agencies, such as CBP, FDA, USDA and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), also oversee fish and wildlife shipments. Additionally, individual US states and other countries may have their own specific rules.

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)

Importing wines, spirits, and other alcoholic products is challenging due to strict regulations set by the TTB. Several registration and compliance requirements are unique to alcohol imports. Our services encompass obtaining the required TTB permits and registrations, as well as guiding companies through import declarations, ensuring a smooth and legal import process for alcoholic beverages.

Department of Transportation (DOT)

The DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration establishes Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for motor vehicles and related equipment. These regulations go beyond typical customs procedures. DOT also manages other import requirements, such as those for hazardous materials, environmental standards, and labeling requirements.

Goods not in compliance with these rules may be subject to detention, denied entry, seizure, or destruction, which may result in substantial fines and penalties for importers, manufacturers, and distributors.

Transportation & Shipping

Cargo movement within, into, and out of the US is regulated by both domestic and international laws, such as the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) and the Warsaw Convention, along with related regulatory rules. Transport operations can also be influenced by laws, regulations, programs, and policies that address supply chain security, safety in occupational and transportation settings, and issues related to spoiled, lost, or damaged goods. Various stakeholders—including shippers, carriers, customs brokers, warehouses, freight forwarders, non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs), third-party logistics providers, and others—must stay informed of these legal and regulatory requirements.

US law mandates that ocean carriers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, and port operators streamline the import and export process for containerized and breakbulk cargo. The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) enforces these regulations, promoting fair competition in ocean shipping and regulating related rates and charges.

Importers, exporters, and shippers who believe violations have taken place can submit complaints to the FMC to stop the offences and potentially seek reparations.

Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS)

The spread of international investment and other treaties gives investors the right to seek remedies for unfair government interference with their businesses.

ISDS is a set of rules through which sovereign nations can be sued by foreign investors for certain state actions affecting the foreign direct investments (FDI) of that investor. This most often takes the form of international arbitration between the foreign investor and the state.

The US presently has bilateral investment treaties (BITs) with 39 countries in effect.

Furthermore, the US has comprehensive free trade agreements (FTAs) with 20 countries.

In addition, the US has adopted approximately 33 investment-related instruments at multilateral, regional and national levels. These include the New York Convention, the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) Convention, and the Convention Establishing the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

The US does not have a domestic investment law. International arbitration is governed primarily by the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA), which implements the New York Convention in Chapter 2 of Title 9 of the US Code.

Key documents associated with the arbitration must be accessible to the public, and tribunal hearings must be open to everyone.

While the US generally does not require formal approval of foreign investment, it has national security and sector-specific review processes for industries such as shipping, aviation, banking, communications, and energy.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS) reviews acquisitions by foreign persons that could potentially control US businesses and addresses any national security concerns. CFIUS can refer a transaction to the President, recommending that he block it entirely if national security issues cannot be otherwise resolved. A transaction under CFIUS jurisdiction that is not voluntarily notified and approved may face significant remedial actions.

Before 2018, CFIUS was a voluntary filing limited to certain industries and technologies related to national security. However, in 2018, the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA) was enacted to enhance CFIUS's authority. Notably, FIRRMA implemented specific rules for investments involving US critical infrastructure, advanced technology, or sensitive personal data, including mandatory notification requirements for certain investments in these sectors.

Customs

We possess expertise in all areas of customs procedures. Our team represents clients before local port officials, CBP, and the Court of International Trade (CIT). We manage matters including tariff classification and valuation, administrative protests, prior disclosures, rulings and internal advice processes, penalty cases, country of origin and marking issues, drawback claims, and duty preferences under programs such as USMCA, GSP, and other tariff preference regimes.

We also assist companies in obtaining ruling letters on issues like valuation, classification, marking, preference programs, foreign trade zone programs, and provide guidance on participating in Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).

Furthermore, we develop compliance programs tailored to a company's size and operations, conduct compliance audits, and represent firms in matters related to fines, penalties, and customs investigations.

Export Controls

Kramer International Law advises and advocates for both US and international clients on a wide range of export licensing and regulatory matters, such as “dual use” exports regulated by the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), defense exports governed by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and US embargo laws and policies. We assist clients in dealings with the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

We also support clients with enforcement actions, voluntary disclosures, licensing (such as complex Technical Assistance Agreements under the ITAR), commodity classification and jurisdiction requests, and deemed export issues involving foreign nationals working in the US.

We also help clients develop export compliance programs, provide training, and conduct audits, including due diligence in the context of mergers.

Sanctions

We provide guidance to foreign and multinational companies on the intricate issues related to re-exporting US products and the extraterritorial scope of US embargo laws.

We offer comprehensive and practical advice on sanctions, license and exemption requests, and the implications of non-compliance.

We also assist clients in managing matters with the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which oversees various sanctions programs. OFAC creates and administers a range of sanctions, which can be extensive (such as blocking entire countries like North Korea) or targeted (focusing on specific individuals, entities, or sectors).

OFAC enforces economic embargos and trade restrictions using presidential emergency powers and specific laws, which involve freezing assets and blocking transactions related to sanctioned individuals or entities.

OFAC manages and regularly updates lists, especially the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, which identifies sanctioned individuals and entities.

Furthermore, OFAC functions as a financial intelligence unit, collecting information to assist in sanctions enforcement.

OFAC is responsible for making sure US persons and entities adhere to sanctions. It investigates violations and enforces penalties such as fines and imprisonment.

Furthermore, OFAC releases regulations, guidance, and FAQs to help clarify sanctions requirements applicable to individuals and entities.

We represent clients before CFIUS concerning foreign direct investment in the US. Our services include advising on CFIUS matters, determining if a transaction needs to be reported, preparing joint notifications, and providing representation throughout the CFIUS review process.

Trade Litigation

Our international trade litigation practice includes participation in antidumping, countervailing duty, safeguard (Section 201) before the Court of International Trade (CIT), as well as other trade remedy litigation. We advise and represent clients in original investigations, administrative reviews, changed circumstances reviews, scope determinations, anti-circumvention investigations, and sunset reviews. Additionally, we handle customs cases and other trade agency disputes before the CIT.

We provide guidance to domestic and international manufacturers across various industries involved in proceedings related to agricultural, industrial, and consumer products.

Besides handling trade litigation cases, we also assist clients in creating and executing strategies to reduce their risk of trade disputes or lessen their liability if such disputes occur.

Our counselling offers support not just during active investigations but also in pre-investigation audits and analysis. This internal review helps companies develop strategies to reduce their exposure to trade litigation and minimize liability should such litigation occur.

We advise foreign companies on their pricing strategies to reduce their risk of US antidumping duties, and we also guide US importers respecting their potential liabilities.

Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI)

FOCI occurs when a foreign entity has the power to direct or influence a company's management or operations.

US laws concerning FOCI typically restrict foreign-owned or controlled US companies from obtaining facility security clearances needed to bid on or execute classified US government contracts without explicit government approval via FOCI “mitigation” procedures. We assist clients by negotiating with the Departments of Defense, Energy, and Justice to craft negotiation strategies and offer guidance on structuring transactions to effectively address FOCI issues.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

The FCPA is a US law that prohibits US companies and individuals from bribing foreign government officials to secure or maintain business. It consists of two primary sections: anti-bribery rules and accounting requirements for maintaining accurate books, records, and internal controls. Enforcement is carried out by the Department of Justice (DOJ), which handles criminal penalties, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which handles civil penalties.

We advise and assist both US and international companies on corruption-related matters.

Anti-Boycott Laws

Anti-boycott laws are government regulations that ban individuals and companies from participating in foreign boycotts not endorsed by their own country. Their main purpose is to prevent US firms from supporting boycotts that go against US policies.

We advise US companies and their foreign subsidiaries on US anti-boycott laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the Tax Reform Act (TRA). Our services also encompass establishing anti-boycott compliance programs, providing training, handling voluntary disclosures and enforcement actions, and performing compliance audits.

Anti-Money Laundering

We advise US companies, including financial institutions and mutual funds, on a broad spectrum of anti-money laundering (AML) concerns. Our services include establishing AML compliance programs, advising on suspicious activity reporting and enhanced due diligence, setting customer identification and documentation standards, and reviewing and preparing customer/investor profile forms to gather necessary information.

Customs and Products Importation

Kramer International Law advises clients on legal issues related to importing products into the US.

We develop customized customs compliance programs to help clients operate legally and efficiently within relevant regulations. Our expertise covers tariff classification and valuation, administrative protests and rulings, internal advice procedures, penalty mitigation, country-of-origin and marking issues, drawback claims, and duty preferences under regimes such as the USMCA, GSP, and other tariff preference programs.

We assist in resolving customs disputes, especially with regard to clarifying and complying with applicable tariffs and duties.

We offer guidance on customs valuation issues and methodologies, including the connection between valuation and transfer pricing.

Foreign Trade Zones

Kramer International Law provides assistance to grantees, operators, and users involved with different Foreign Trade Zones across the US. We also represent businesses in Foreign Trade Zone matters, including preparing and submitting applications for establishing general-purpose zones and special-purpose subzones, securing zone manufacturing authority, managing boundary changes, and making scope determinations.