9 . Contingencies In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to regular examination by various taxing authorities for years not closed by the statute of limitations. If one or more of these examinations has an unfavorable resolution, it is possible that the results of operations, liquidity or financial position of the Company could be materially affected in any particular period. The Company accrues a liability for this type of contingency when it believes that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and that it can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss. Assessments made by the United Kingdom customs authority in 2012 have been appealed by the Company, which has paid $ 2.6million in disputed duty, strictly under protest, pending the outcome of the continuing dispute, and this is included in receivables in the DTC segment. The United Kingdom customs authority is contesting the Company's appeal. The Company maintains a provision against the related receivable for its best estimate of probable loss, based on the latest facts available in the dispute. However, the Company continues to vigorously dispute the customs audit findings and believes that the outcome of this dispute will not have a material adverse impact on the results of operations, liquidity or financial position of the Company.