President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday directing federal agencies to strengthen customs enforcement and crack down on trade fraud, customs violations, and illicit imports entering the United States.
The order directs the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to increase enforcement of existing customs laws, strengthen importer transparency and accountability and expand the use of technology to identify high-risk shipments. It also establishes a minimum penalty floor for customs violations and calls for enhanced seizure and disposal authorities for non-compliant imports.
According to the White House, the action is intended to improve supply chain security, protect U.S. consumers and businesses, and prevent importers from evading duties through shell companies, false declarations, and other fraudulent practices. The administration said the order advances its America First trade agenda by creating a more level playing field for law-abiding businesses.
“Importing into the U.S. has for too long been treated as a right and not a privilege,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott. “CBP will execute the priorities in this Executive Order and by doing so we will fortify our trading border just as we have done with our physical border.”
CBP officials said the directive will help the agency target contraband, counterfeit goods and other unlawful imports while strengthening oversight of importers of record and customs bonds. The order also calls for greater information sharing and enhanced enforcement tools to address repeat violators.
“This executive order helps CBP better detect when bad trade actors try to break the rules,” said Susan S. Thomas, executive assistant commissioner for CBP’s Office of Trade. “These are major advances in protecting our revenue and increasing supply chain transparency—both critical to ensuring fairness for everyone and safeguarding our nation’s economic and national security.”