The Jankovich Co. v. United States , 2015 CIT 146 ( 2015 )

Slip Op. 15- 146
UNITED STATES COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
THE JANKOVICH COMPANY
Plaintiff,
Before: Jane A. Restani, Judge
v.
Court No. 15-00208
UNITED STATES,
Defendant.
OPINION
[Defendant’s motion to dismiss is granted.]
Dated: December 30, 2015
Frank X. Dipolito, Swain & Dipolito LLP, of Long Beach, CA, for plaintiff.
Patricia M. McCarthy, Assistant Director, Commercial Litigation Branch, Civil Division,
U.S. Department of Justice, of Washington, DC, for defendant. With her on the brief were
Benjamin C. Mizer, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, and Jeanne E. Davidson,
Director. Of counsel on the brief were Andrew K. Lieberman and Marc Matthews, Senior
Attorneys, Office of Chief Counsel, Trade and Finance, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, of
Washington, DC.
Restani, Judge: This matter is before the court on defendant United States’ (“the
government”) motion to dismiss the complaint filed by the Jankovich Company (“Jankovich”),
for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction pursuant to U.S. Court of International Trade Rule
12(b)(1). Jankovich could have brought its claims under 28 U.S.C. § 1581(a), but failed to
perfect jurisdiction under that section by filing a proper protest. Because jurisdiction was
Court No. 15-00208 Page 2
potentially available under § 1581(a), the court does not have jurisdiction under § 1581(i), and
grants the government’s motion.
BACKGROUND
Jankovich distributes bunker fuel between the ports of Los Angeles and San Diego.
Compl. ¶¶ 3–4, ECF No. 4. The bunker fuel is used “for the propulsion and operation of
vessels.” Id. Jankovich has been paying Harbor Maintenance Fees (“HMFs”) to U.S. Customs
and Border Protection (“CBP”) on a quarterly basis since 2008 based on the value of the bunker
fuel. Id. ¶ 5, Ex. A. The HMF is a port use fee assessed at 0.125% of the value of commercial
cargo shipped through certain identified ports. 19 C.F.R. § 24.24(a) (2015).
On November, 20, 2009, Jankovich sought a ruling from CBP that its bunker fuel
shipments were not subject to the HMF. See HQ H086062 (Mar. 12, 2010), available at 2010
WL 1267976. On March 12, 2010, CBP determined that the shipments were subject to the HMF.
Id. On January 24, 2014, Jankovich submitted a request for reconsideration. HQ H250175 (May
19, 2014), available at 2014 WL 2683944. On May 19, 2014, CBP denied the request for
reconsideration and affirmed HQ H086062. Id. On October 14, 2014, Jankovich again
requested reconsideration, which CBP denied on November 18, 2014, based on 19 U.S.C.
§ 1625. Decl. of Frank X. Dipolito Re: Def.’s Mot. to Dismiss Ex. D (“Dipolito Decl.”). On
July 31, 2015, Jankovich filed a two-count complaint seeking refund of HMF payments, plus
interest, and a declaration that its bunker fuel is not subject to the HMF. Compl. ¶¶ 13–21.
Jankovich claims, under the plain meaning of 26 U.S.C. §§ 4461, 4462 and 19 C.F.R.
§§ 24.24(a), (c), that its bunker fuel is not “commercial cargo” and is specifically exempted from
the HMF. Id. ¶¶ 6–12. The complaint asserts jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1581(i). Id. ¶ 1.
Court No. 15-00208 Page 3
In moving to dismiss the complaint, the government argues that the court does not have
jurisdiction. The government asserts that the court lacks jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1581(i)
because relief was available under § 1581(a), and lacks jurisdiction under 29 U.S.C. § 1581(a)
because Jankovich failed to perfect jurisdiction by filing a protest. Def.’s Mot. to Dismiss &
Mem. in Supp. of its Mot. to Dismiss 4, ECF No. 9 (“Gov. Br.”). The government also argues
that even assuming the court could exercise subject-matter jurisdiction under § 1581(i),
Jankovich’s refund claims for payments made before July 31, 2013, are time-barred by
§ 1581(i)’s two-year statute of limitations. Id. at 5–6.
Jankovich responds that as a challenge to a CBP “prospective” ruling, its complaint falls
properly within § 1581(i) jurisdiction. Jankovich Co.’s Opp’n to Def.’s Mot. to Dismiss 4, ECF
No. 15 (“Jankovich Resp.”). Alternatively, Jankovich argues that if the court lacks jurisdiction
under § 1581(i), its request for reconsideration operated as a de facto protest, satisfying the
procedural requirements of § 1581(a). Id. at 6. Jankovich also argues that if jurisdiction lies
under § 1581(a), the court should apply equitable tolling to afford it a two-year period to request
judicial review of the “prospective” ruling “based on the express representations in CBP’s
Rulings Program that a complaint to contest a prospective ruling must be filed within two years
of the issuance of the ruling.” Id. at 6–7.1 Finally, Jankovich requests leave to file an amended
complaint should the court hold that the Complaint’s jurisdictional facts are deficient. Id. at 8–9.
1
First, it is not clear that the ruling is “prospective” as fees may have already been paid when the
binding ruling was made. It seems clear that fees had been exacted by the time of
reconsideration. Second, CBP’s “Rulings Program” is an informal publication “provided for
general information purposes only” and suggests that parties obtain advice of counsel. Decl. of
Frank X. Dipolito Re: Def.’s Mot. to Dismiss Ex. E at 3. The publication is written in a
(continued . . .)
Court No. 15-00208 Page 4
DISCUSSION
I. Jurisdiction Under 28 U.S.C. § 1581(i)
Generally, jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1581(i) “may not be invoked when jurisdiction
under another subsection of § 1581 is or could have been available.” Miller & Co. v. United
States, 824 F.2d 961, 963 (Fed. Cir. 1987). The court has also recognized the “general rule that
litigants must exhaust their administrative remedies under other subsections of § 1581 before
properly invoking § 1581(i) jurisdiction.” NuFarm America’s, Inc. v. United States, 29 CIT
1317, 1328, 398 F. Supp. 2d 1338, 1348 (2002). Where the remedy under another subsection of
§ 1581 would be manifestly inadequate, however, the court does not require exhaustion and
exercises jurisdiction under § 1581(i). Hartford Fire Ins. Co. v. United States, 544 F.3d 1289,
1292 (Fed. Cir. 2008). Thus, if Jankovich’s claims could have been brought under § 1581(a) and
the remedy would not be manifestly inadequate, the court does not have jurisdiction under
§ 1581(i).
In West Travel, Inc. v. United States, the court analyzed this issue and stated: “in
Swisher Int[ernationa]l, Inc. v. United States, 205 F.3d 1358, 1365 (Fed. Cir. 2000), the court
recognized an administrative refund procedure [for HMF payments] under 19 C.F.R. § 24.24(e),
the results of which could be protested, leading to § 1581(a) jurisdiction.” 30 CIT 594, 595
(continued . . .)
shorthand manner such that the two years within which a complaint must be filed challenging a
prospective ruling assumes the court has jurisdiction over the claim. The publication cites to the
general two-year statute of limitations for aggrieved parties to seek relief in 28 U.S.C. § 2636(i).
Id. at 26–27. The two-year statute of limitations for challenging prospective rulings is subject to
jurisdictional limits not discussed, such as for prospective rulings regarding imports, the party
must demonstrate irreparable injury. 28 U.S.C. § 1581(h). Similarly, under 28 U.S.C. § 1581(i),
the other jurisdictional subsections must be manifestly inadequate. Hartford Fire Ins. Co. v.
United States, 544 F.3d 1289, 1292 (Fed. Cir. 2008).
Court No. 15-00208 Page 5
(2006). The court also acknowledged that Supreme Court precedent allowed a constitutional
challenge to the HMF statute to proceed under § 1581(i) jurisdiction because the administrative
remedy was futile for constitutional challenges to statutory provisions. Id. (citing United States
v. U.S. Shoe Corp., 523 U.S. 360, 365–66 (1998) (holding HMF on exports unconstitutional).
The court then determined that plaintiff’s statutory claim was “not in the same class of futile
claims,” held that “jurisdiction to hear [plaintiff’s claims] does not exist under § 1581(i) because
a 28 U.S.C. § 1581(a) remedy was legally and practicably available” by the time of the suit, and
dismissed the action. Id. at 595–96. The same is true here. Jankovich could have requested
refunds through CBP’s administrative procedure, protested any adverse decision, and sought
review under § 1581(a). Review of the refund determination under § 1581(a) also would have
made the separate declaratory relief sought in Jankovich’s second cause of action unnecessary.
See 28 U.S.C. § 2643(c)(1) (“[T]he Court of International Trade may . . . order any other form of
relief that is appropriate in a civil action, including, but not limited to, declaratory judgments,
orders of remand, injunctions, and writs of mandamus and prohibition.”). Because 19 C.F.R.
§ 24.24(e) creates a reasonable administrative remedy for pursuing refunds of HMF payments
and ultimately for obtaining a judicial determination of the law pursuant to the court’s § 1581(a)
protest denial jurisdiction, the remedy afforded by § 1581(a) is not manifestly inadequate. As a
sufficient remedy was available under § 1581(a), the court does not have jurisdiction under
§ 1581(i).
Court No. 15-00208 Page 6
II. Jurisdiction Under 28 U.S.C. § 1581(a)
Jankovich recognizes it did not meet the time limit to file suit of 180 days from the denial
of its last request for reconsideration, which it asserts is a protest.2 It claims an extended period
based on representations of CBP. See supra note 1. The court, however, would not have
jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1581(a) in any case because a request for reconsideration of a
ruling is not a protest. Section 1581(a) grants the court jurisdiction to review “the denial of a
protest” under the Tariff Act of 1930. 28 U.S.C. § 1581(a). The relevant portion of the Tariff
Act of 1930 provides that certain decisions made by CBP “shall be final and
conclusive . . . unless a protest is filed.” 19 U.S.C. § 1514(a). Assuming arguendo that CBP’s
“prospective” ruling is a decision that may be protested on the facts of this case, Jankovich failed
to properly protest the “prospective” ruling to perfect jurisdiction.
Jankovich concedes that it never requested refunds, or instituted a formal protest before
CBP. See Jankovich Resp. at 5. Jankovich asks the court to treat its request for reconsideration
of CBP’s “prospective” ruling as a constructive protest and CBP’s denial of that request as a
denial of a protest. See id. at 6. Although courts have previously construed purported protests
generously, noting the harsh consequences of failing to comply with this jurisdictional
prerequisite, the requirements for a valid protest are mandatory. See Puerto Rico Towing &
Barge Co. v. United States, Slip Op. 14-80, 2014 WL 3360779, *2–3 (CIT July 10, 2014); see
also Koike Aronson, Inc. v. United States, 165 F.3d 906, 908–09 (Fed. Cir. 1999); Mattel, Inc. v.
United States, 72 Cust. Ct. 257, 261–62, C.D. 4547, 377 F. Supp. 955, 960 (1974).
2
Suit on a protest denial must be filed within 180 days after the mailing of the notice of denial of
a protest or within 180 days of the denial of a protest by operation of law. 28 U.S.C. § 2636(a).
Court No. 15-00208 Page 7
By statute, a protest must set forth distinctly and specifically the decision being protested,
the category of merchandise affected by the decision, and the nature of the protesting party’s
objections. See 19 U.S.C. § 1514(c)(1). Section 1514(c)(1) also requires protests to comply
with relevant regulations. Id. By regulation, a protest must be clearly labeled “Protest,” identify
the party protesting, and list the number and date of the entry, the date of liquidation of the entry
or of the decision being protested, a description of the merchandise, and the justifications for the
objections. 19 C.F.R. §§ 174.12(b), (c), 174.13(a). Also by regulation, to properly request
refund of HMF payments, a party must file CBP Forms 349 and 350. 19 C.F.R.
§ 24.24(e)(4)(iii).
Whether a purported protest is a valid protest is evaluated by an objective standard, rather
than the subjective understanding of the agency. Power-One Inc. v. United States, 23 CIT 959,
964, 83 F. Supp. 2d 1300, 1305 (1999); Mattel, 72 Cust. Ct. at 266, 377 F. Supp. at 963. The
purported protestor’s intent matters, if at all, only to the extent that the reviewing agency must be
able to discern such intent and the relief sought. “[O]ne cardinal rule in construing a protest is
that it must show fairly that the objection afterwards made at the trial was in the mind of the
party at the time the protest was made . . . .” Mattel, 72 Cust. Ct. at 260, 377 F. Supp. at 959.
Just as objections later made before a court must have been in the mind of the protestor at the
time of the protest, see Mattel, 72 Cust. Ct. at 266, 377 F. Supp. 2d at 963, courts have indicated
that the alleged protestor must have intended the submission to be a protest. See Power-One
Inc., 23 CIT at 964, 83 F. Supp. 2d at 1306 (holding that a letter containing the statement “[we
have not] filed a protest”—a position reaffirmed by counsel at oral argument—was not a
Court No. 15-00208 Page 8
protest). But see Sony Elecs., Inc. v. United States, 26 CIT 286, 288 (2002) (“Plaintiff’s
subjective intent is no more at issue than is Customs’ subjective understanding of the protests.”).
Here, Jankovich both failed to comply with the regulations for filing a proper protest and
did not intend for its request for reconsideration to be a protest. First, the request for
reconsideration was not clearly labeled “Protest” and in fact, never mentioned the word protest.
Courts have dismissed complaints for similar deficiencies. See, e.g., Ovan Int’l, Ltd. v. United
States, 49 F. Supp. 3d 1327, 1333 (CIT 2015); Chrysal USA, Inc. v. United States, 853 F. Supp.
2d 1314, 1324 (CIT 2012); Ammex, Inc. v. United States, 27 CIT 1677, 1685, 288 F. Supp. 2d
1375, 1382 (2003). Second, the request for reconsideration did not indicate that Jankovich was
seeking refunds and did not comply with 19 C.F.R. § 24.24(e)(4)(iii). Jankovich expressly states
it never protested CBP’s ruling, Jankovich Resp. at 4–5 (“[Jankovich] is not contesting CBP’s
denial of a protest”); id. at 5 (“[a]t no time did [Jankovich] . . . submit a protest under section 515
of the Tariff Act”). Jankovich’s request for reconsideration contained no request for refunds,
Dipolito Decl. ¶ 6, yet Jankovich now asks the court to construe its request for reconsideration as
a protest based on 19 C.F.R. § 24.24(e), which concerns refunds. Jankovich Resp. at 6. There
was nothing in Jankovich’s request that indicated it sought a refund and thus no way for CBP to
know it was initiating a protest of a refund denial. See Lykes Pasco, Inc. v. United States, 22
CIT 614, 615–16, 14 F. Supp. 2d 748, 749–50 (1998) (dismissing complaint where purported
protest would have required CBP to speculate as to the contents of the protest). Finally, if all
that is protested is the adverse ruling, courts have indicated that the proper path seeking relief
from a prospective ruling is to protest, ex post, an actual application of that ruling, rather than the
ruling letter itself. See, e.g., General Mills, Inc. v. United States, 32 F. Supp. 3d 1324, 1330
Court No. 15-00208 Page 9
(CIT 2014) (denying jurisdiction where importer could have obtained relief by filing a protest
upon importation, rather than challenging the prospective ruling). Indeed, although Jankovich
missed its opportunity here to seek relief as to most of its past payments, by requesting a refund
and protesting upon denial of the refund, such an option for seeking refund of fees remains
available to Jankovich in the future. It needs to file a protest in proper form if its refund request
is not granted, and file suit upon protest denial.3 Accordingly, the court must deny Jankovich’s
request for leave to amend its complaint to assert jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1581(a) because
the prerequisites to such suit have not been met.
CONCLUSION
As Jankovich’s request for reconsideration was not a proper protest, the court does not
have jurisdiction under § 1581(a), and because the court could have had jurisdiction under
§ 1581(a), the court does not have jurisdiction under § 1581(i). The complaint is dismissed.
Dated: December 30, 2015 Jane A. Restani
New York, New York Jane A. Restani
Judge
3
The court does not imply that such suit would be successful. CBP’s ruling that the exclusion of
bunker fuel from the definition of “commercial cargo” subject to the HMF applies only to such
fuel for the ship’s own use is not without some appeal.