In the Customs Court Act of 1980, Congress created the U.S. Court of International Trade within the judicial branch to deal with cases involving international trade and customs duties. Previously named the U.S. Customs Court, the court has the same powers in law and equity as the district courts. Most of its cases concern the classification and valuation of imported merchandise, customs duties, and unfair import practices by trading partners. Appeals from this court go to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
The nine judges of the Court of International Trade are appointed for life by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The court sits in New York City and from time to time at other places.