The U.S. administration issued an executive order on 3 June 2026 to tighten customs enforcement, directing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to introduce a series of regulatory and policy changes over the coming months.
The order targets longstanding gaps in the import system, including undervaluation, misclassification, limited importer transparency, and broader non-compliance.
Its reach will be felt most acutely by businesses relying on foreign importers of record (IORs), a widely used mechanism in international trade.
Under the new framework, CBP is directed to tighten importer eligibility requirements, including higher bond levels, minimum domestic asset thresholds, and expanded ownership and data disclosures.
Foreign IORs face additional restrictions, among them limitations on informal entry and a new “good standing” requirement tied to compliance history.
Importers failing to meet the revised standards risk being barred from bringing goods into the US.
Enhanced scrutiny of documentation and supply chain data is also expected, alongside stricter enforcement measures including audits, tougher penalties, and faster seizure and disposal of non-compliant goods.
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Penalty flexibility is set to be reduced, with repeat violations treated more harshly under the revised rules.
New disclosure and certification requirements are anticipated, potentially obliging importers to provide detailed information on products, manufacturers, and production methods, as well as certifications covering forced labour and sanctions compliance.
CBP may additionally require export documentation from origin countries to support import filings.
Implementation will be phased. Enhanced disclosure and transparency measures are expected within 90 days, while broader changes affecting importer eligibility and foreign IOR operations are anticipated within 180 days. DHS is expected to propose further legislative measures within 45 days.
Until additional regulatory guidance is issued, importers are advised to review their current US import models, particularly those relying on foreign IORs or informal entry processes, and assess visibility across their supply chain data.
