President Trump Issues Executive Order to Enhance Customs Enforcement
President Trump’s June 3, 2026 Executive Order on customs enforcement signals a significant expansion of the Administration’s America First Trade Policy beyond tariffs and trade remedies. The order directs the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to undertake a broad range of reforms aimed at strengthening customs enforcement, including heightened importer vetting, increased bond requirements, expanded supply-chain disclosure obligations, and stricter penalties for noncompliance. The order also focuses on nonresident importers of record, imposing new restrictions that could affect foreign companies that have long relied on established import structures and procedures to access the U.S. market. Because many of the contemplated changes can be implemented through CBP rulemaking and guidance rather than legislation, importers should expect significant regulatory developments over the coming months. Companies that import goods into the United States should begin assessing the potential impact on their customs compliance programs, supply chains, and import operations.
Clear and Present Danger: How DOJ Trade-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Priorities Show Trade & Customs Risks Are Here to Stay
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has signaled a renewed and sharpened focus on trade and customs-related misconduct, including tariff evasion. While DOJ’s emphasis on this enforcement area is notable in its own right, this Update highlights how DOJ’s prioritization of trade and customs fraud also brings Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) exposure back to the forefront of risks for multinational companies. (more…)

