Joseph (“Jay”) Acayan

Joseph “Jay” Acayan is a Partner at Roberts & Kehagiaras LLP with over 25 years of experience in international trade law and customs compliance. Based in Houston, Texas, Jay advises clients on import and export compliance, regulatory enforcement, and supply chain security. Jay’s practice includes guiding clients through Customs audits, developing compliance programs, filing prior disclosures, and representing clients in penalty cases, liquidated damages claims, and seizures. Jay counsels on tariff classification, trade remedy actions (Section 232 and Section 301), and anti-dumping/countervailing duty (ADD/CVD) investigations.

Jay’s experience extends to export compliance matters, including defending clients in complex criminal export matters and working with the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC).

An active member of the international trade community, he serves as Customs Counsel for the Laredo Licensed U.S. Customs Broker Association. In his role, Jay advises on legal issues affecting customs brokers, importers, and exporters along the southern border. He is also a frequent speaker at industry events and provides guidance on trade law, customs compliance, and risk management.

He holds a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. Jay is admitted to practice in Texas, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, and the U.S. Court of International Trade.