Richard A. Mojica
Member
Executive Committee Member | Practice Lead, Customs & Import Trade
Richard Mojica counsels companies on how to minimize the cost of importing merchandise into the United States through strategic customs and tariff planning. Clients turn to Mr. Mojica for advice on customs enforcement matters, including audits, investigations, merchandise detentions, seizures, and penalty cases.
Mr. Mojica is known for providing practical, business-friendly advice. Chambers USA recognizes him as a "superstar in [c]ustoms law and UFLPA issues," noting that his "command of the law is... unparalleled" and "exceptional at navigating complex relationships and regulatory pressure." Clients describe him as "reliable, responsive, friendly and very easy to communicate with," and praise his ability to "set expectations and go above and beyond to deliver – every time."
Mr. Mojica is a thought leader on laws restricting the importation of goods made with forced labor, including the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and Withhold Release Orders (WROs). He has led efforts to successfully challenge merchandise detentions and regularly advises on supply chain due diligence, forced labor compliance frameworks, and enforcement risk mitigation. His experience spans numerous industries, including renewable energy, automotive, base metals, and consumer products.
Mr. Mojica is a frequent commentator in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Politico, and other major media outlets. Before joining Miller & Chevalier, he served as an attorney in U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Regulations and Rulings. Earlier in his career, he practiced at an Am Law 100 firm.
Representative Engagements
Customs
- Represented companies on CBP enforcement proceedings, including audits, penalty cases, voluntary self-disclosures, seizures, and Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) investigations.
- Assisted companies with the development and implementation of tariff mitigation strategies, including the First Sale Rule for customs valuation, strategic tariff classification reviews, country of origin advocacy, and the use of free trade agreements, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
- Represented a U.S. retailer in a customs fraud case brought by the Department of Justice (DOJ) under the qui tam provision of the False Claims Act (FCA).
- Represented companies in litigation before the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit challenging the imposition of section 201, 232, and 301 tariffs.
Forced Labor
- Successfully petitioned for the release of merchandise detained by CBP pursuant to WROs and the UFLPA, including solar modules, apparel, automotive parts, and aluminum products.
- Assisted automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers with the development and implementation of risk assessment methodologies and anti-forced labor compliance policies and procedures including standard operating procedures on third-party due diligence, supply chain traceability protocols, codes of conduct, and compliance with industry-specific certification standards.
- Assisted with the development of a solar and storage supply chain traceability standard for the leading U.S. trade association for the solar and storage industries.
- Served as an expert witness in a securities case in Canada involving the WROs on rubber gloves from Malaysia.
- Successfully advocated on behalf of a multinational tobacco leaf company before CBP for its removal from the scope of a WRO targeting tobacco from Malawi.
- Assisted companies with responding to inquiries from CBP, investors, customers, Congress, and other stakeholders on matters relating to responsible sourcing.
Trade Policy
- On behalf of a leading trade association for the U.S. oil and gas industry, supported member companies and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on a case filed by the U.S. pursuant to the USMCA challenging Mexico's energy policies.
- On behalf of a sovereign government, advocated for the removal of section 232 tariffs on aluminum and steel products originating in that country.
Government Experience
- Attorney-Advisor, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of International Trade - Regulations & Rulings, 2008 - 2012
Rankings and Recognition
- Chambers USA: International Trade: Customs (Nationwide), 2021 - 2025
- Chambers Global: International Trade: Customs (USA), 2022 - 2026
- Latinvex: Latin America's Top 100 Lawyers, 2025
- Latinvex Latin America's Rising Legal Stars: FCPA & Fraud, 2021; Tax & Trade, 2021
- Who's Who Legal: Trade & Customs, 2021
- Law360 Rising Star, 2018
- DC Bar Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2018
- Legal 500: Dispute Resolution: International Trade, 2022
- Legal 500: Litigation: International Trade, 2015
Admissions
State Admissions
- District of Columbia
- Illinois
Court Admissions
- United States Court of International Trade
Clerkships
- Judicial Law Clerk, Inter-American Court of Human Rights (Organization of American States), San Jose, Costa Rica
News and Events
News
Events
Speaking Engagement
API 2026 International Trade & Customs Conference
Speaking Engagement
Gulf-to-Global Energy Forum
Speaking Engagement
U.S.-Canada Customs Compliance Seminar
Speaking Engagement
Tech San Diego: Trade Winds - Manufacturing Strategy in a Tariff World
Speaking Engagement
Sayari User Summit and Symposium 2025
Publications
Internal Publication
Supreme Court Finds IEEPA Tariffs Unlawful: What You Need to Know
Internal Publication
End-of-Year DOJ Announcements Signal Increased Risk to Importers from Criminal and Civil Trade Fraud Enforcement
Internal Publication
Trade Compliance Flash: IEEPA Tariff Litigation & Refunds: What Should Importers Be Doing Now?
Internal Publication
What You Need to Know About Ongoing Legal Challenges to the Trump Administration's Emergency Tariffs
Internal Publication