Customer Advisory
Increased U.S. Customs Enforcement
August 4, 2026
Recent federal actions indicate continued focus on strengthening U.S. customs enforcement and importer compliance.
On June 3, 2026, Executive Order 14411 directed CBP and DHS to strengthen importer oversight through new regulations addressing Importer of Record (IOR) requirements, supply chain transparency, duty collection, and enforcement. Most measures are being implemented through regulations issued over time rather than taking effect immediately.
In July 2026, the DOJ and DHS released a Trade Fraud Enforcement Resource Guide outlining how these priorities are being enforced across the supply chain. The guidance highlights increased scrutiny of importers, customs brokers, and other supply chain participants, with particular focus on:
- Import valuation and duty payment
- HTS classification
- Country of origin declarations
- Forced labor compliance
- Transshipment and trade remedy evasion
- Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements, including FDA, EPA, USDA, CPSC, and Fish & Wildlife regulations
Importers may see increased requests for supporting documentation and product information as CBP and customs brokers perform additional due diligence.
If you have questions about how these developments may affect your imports or compliance processes, please contact your Eastern representative or our Customs Brokerage team.