When must I serve a CIT motion to alter or amend judgment?

Rule 59(e) runs from judgment entry. Apply Rule 58(c), including the separate-document rule when applicable.

When a separate document is required, entry uses civil-docket entry and the earlier of a separate document or 150 days from docket entry. When not required, civil-docket entry controls.

The rule expressly measures timely service of the motion. Rule 5(d)(1)(A) separately addresses filing after service. The calculator does not set a fixed additional filing period or excuse an actual filing order.

1. Establish judgment entry under USCIT Rule 58, not receipt of judgment notice.
2. Exclude the established trigger day.
3. Count 30 calendar days.
4. If the final day is a Saturday, Sunday or Rule 6(a)(6) legal holiday, continue to the next day that is not. The rule lists national statutory holidays and days declared holidays by the President or Congress. Check additional declarations and actual clerk inaccessibility.

Exclude the established trigger day. Count every following calendar day, including intermediate Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, under USCIT Rule 6(a)(1).

The service period is 30 days. It does not run from service of notice of judgment. Do not import another court’s 28-day motion rule.

Fictitious example

Fictitious judgment entered under USCIT Rule 58 on August 24, 2026. A party seeks to alter or amend the judgment under Rule 59(e). Exclude August 24. August 25–31 supplies seven days. September 1–23 supplies 23 more. Day 30 is Wednesday.

Fictitious dates. No different order, additional declared holiday or actual clerk inaccessibility is assumed.

No extension

Rule 6(b)(2) prohibits extension of Rule 59(e). A motion for more time does not create permission to serve later.

Separate filing obligation

Rule 5(d)(1)(A) requires filing within a reasonable time after service for papers after the complaint. This date calculation does not determine a reasonable time or override a filing order.

Different new-trial motion

Rule 59(b) expressly requires both service and filing for new trial or rehearing within 30 days after judgment or order entry. Identify the requested relief and governing provision.

• This page supplies the Rule 59(e) service date, not a separate fixed filing allowance.
• The result does not establish grounds for judgment amendment or the effect on an appeal.

• Identify the judgment and the alteration or amendment requested.
• Establish judgment entry under Rule 58.
• Complete timely effective service of the Rule 59(e) motion.
• File the motion under Rule 5 and actual court orders.
• Preserve separate service and filing evidence.
• Rule 5(d)(3) generally requires represented persons to file electronically unless the court permits paper filing for good cause. An unrepresented person’s electronic filing requires an order.
• USCIT Rule 6(a)(4) ends electronic filing at midnight in the court’s time zone unless a statute, local rule or court order sets a different time. Other means use scheduled clerk closing. Rule 82(a) ordinarily specifies 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. clerk hours. Filing and effective service remain separate checks.
• Preserve effective service and filing evidence. Rule 5(d)(4) ordinarily uses receipt, with a specific properly addressed certified-or-registered-mail exception. Ordinary mailing alone does not satisfy that exception.