Executive Order on Strengthening Customs Enforcement:
What Importers Need to Know
On June 3, 2026, President Donald J. Trump signed the Executive Order on Strengthening Customs Enforcement, directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to strengthen customs enforcement, improve importer accountability, combat duty evasion, and modernize customs regulations.
The Executive Order outlines a series of policy directives intended to enhance the integrity of the U.S. import process by increasing oversight of Importers of Record (IORs), reviewing customs bond requirements, strengthening enforcement against fraudulent trade practices, and directing federal agencies to develop new regulations that address evolving supply chain risks.
While many of the Order’s provisions require future rulemaking before they become enforceable regulations, importers should begin evaluating their compliance programs now. Organizations that proactively review their customs procedures will be better positioned to adapt as CBP implements new requirements.
This resource explains the Executive Order’s objectives, summarizes its key provisions, discusses potential impacts on importers, and outlines practical steps businesses can take to prepare.
What Is the Executive Order on
Strengthening Customs Enforcement?
The Executive Order is a federal policy directive aimed at improving customs enforcement and ensuring that all parties importing merchandise into the United States meet their legal obligations.
The Administration identified several areas requiring stronger oversight, including:
- Importer Accountability
- Customs Fraud
- Duty Evasion
- Improper Valuation
- Circumvention of Trade Remedies
- Supply Chain Security
- Collection of Customs Revenue
The Order directs several federal agencies—including DHS, CBP, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of the Treasury—to review existing regulations and recommend new policies that strengthen enforcement while improving operational efficiency.
Importantly, the Executive Order does not immediately rewrite customs regulations. Instead, it establishes a framework for future regulatory changes that CBP will develop through formal rulemaking.
Why the Executive Order Was Issued
International trade has become increasingly complex. Global supply chains involve multiple manufacturers, distributors, logistics providers, and importers operating across numerous jurisdictions. As supply chains have expanded, customs authorities have also encountered increasing challenges related to compliance.
The Administration cited several concerns that motivated the Executive Order, including:
- Duty Evasion
- Fraudulent Importer Practices
- Forced Labor and Trade Compliance
- Protecting U.S. Revenue
Accurate duty collection remains one of CBP’s core responsibilities. Stronger customs enforcement is intended to ensure duties, taxes, and fees owed to the United States are properly assessed and collected.
Key Changes Introduced by the Executive Order
Although many implementation details will be developed through future regulations, the Executive Order outlines several major policy priorities.
Increased Importer of Record Accountability
The Importer of Record is legally responsible for ensuring imported goods comply with U.S. customs laws.
The Executive Order directs CBP to evaluate whether current Importer of Record requirements adequately protect government interests.
Businesses serving as Importers of Record should review internal compliance programs to ensure they maintain complete and accurate import documentation.
Customs Bond
Requirements
Customs bonds provide financial security that duties, taxes, and penalties will be paid when required.
The Executive Order directs CBP to review existing bond policies to determine whether current bond amounts adequately reflect importer risk.
Importers should consult with their customs broker or surety provider to understand how potential bond changes could affect their operations.
Foreign
Importers of Record
One area receiving increased attention involves foreign entities acting as Importers of Record.
The Executive Order directs agencies to evaluate whether additional restrictions or requirements should apply to foreign importers.
Businesses relying on foreign Importers of Record should closely monitor future CBP guidance.
Stronger Enforcement
and Penalties
The Executive Order emphasizes more aggressive enforcement against customs violations.
Importers should expect continued focus on:
- Customs Audits
- Recordkeeping Reviews
- Duty Evasion Investigations
- False Statements
- Trade Remedy Circumvention
- Penalty Assessments
- Cargo Examinations
Companies with strong compliance programs are generally better positioned during CBP audits and investigations.
Implementation Timeline
While the Executive Order establishes policy direction, implementation will occur over time through regulatory action.
- Federal agencies begin reviewing existing customs regulations.
- CBP evaluates Importer of Record requirements, bond policies, and enforcement priorities.
- Proposed regulations published.
- Public comment periods opened.
- Final regulations issued following review.
- CBP announces effective dates for new requirements.
- Importers adjust compliance procedures accordingly.
Because timelines may vary, importers should regularly monitor CBP announcements and the Federal Register for updates.
Who Is Impacted?
Although every importer should understand the Executive Order, several industries may experience increased scrutiny because of their complex global supply chains or elevated compliance risks.
Industries that may be particularly affected include:
- Retail
- E-commerce
- Consumer Products
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Electronics
- Apparel and Textiles
- Industrial Equipment
- Chemicals
- Medical Devices
- Food and Beverage Imports
- Furniture
- Building Materials
Businesses importing products subject to antidumping or countervailing duties, Section 301 tariffs, forced labor enforcement, or other trade remedy programs should pay particular attention to future CBP guidance.
What Importers Should Do Now
Although many regulatory details remain under development, businesses can begin preparing today by strengthening existing compliance practices.
Consider the following actions:
Review Your Importer of Record Structure
Confirm that the appropriate legal entity is acting as Importer of Record and understands its compliance responsibilities.
Evaluate Customs Bonds
Review current bond amounts and discuss potential impacts of future bond changes with your customs broker or surety provider.
Strengthen Documentation
Ensure import records are complete, organized, and readily available for CBP review.
Verify Product Classification
Confirm that Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications remain accurate and supported by appropriate documentation.
Review Valuation Practices
Evaluate customs valuation methodologies to ensure imported merchandise is declared correctly.
Assess Country of Origin Documentation
Verify origin determinations and supplier certifications, particularly for products subject to preferential trade agreements or special tariffs.
Evaluate Supplier Compliance
Conduct periodic reviews of suppliers to ensure documentation supports country of origin claims and forced labor compliance requirements.
Prepare for Increased Audits
Develop internal procedures for responding to CBP Requests for Information (CF-28), Notices of Action (CF-29), audits, and focused assessments.
Stay Informed
Monitor future CBP guidance, Federal Register notices, and industry updates as implementation progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Executive Order establishes policy priorities and directs federal agencies to develop new regulations. Many changes will occur through future rulemaking.
The Order primarily affects businesses that import goods into the United States, including Importers of Record, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and other supply chain stakeholders.
Possibly. The Executive Order instructs CBP to review current bond requirements and consider whether additional financial protections are necessary. Any specific changes would be announced through future regulations.
The Executive Order calls for a review of current Importer of Record policies. Future regulations may establish additional requirements or limitations for foreign entities.
Yes. Businesses should review their customs compliance programs, documentation practices, Importer of Record structure, customs bonds, and internal controls to ensure they are prepared for future regulatory changes.
The timing will depend on the federal rulemaking process. Proposed regulations are expected to be published through the Federal Register before final implementation.
Additional Resources
To strengthen your customs compliance program, consider exploring these related topics:
Official Sources
For the latest information regarding the Executive Order and future implementation, consult these authoritative government resources:
Because implementation will occur over time through agency rulemaking, these sources should be monitored regularly for updates.
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