White House Orders Broad Overhaul of Customs Enforcement

On June 3, President Trump signed an executive order directing broad reforms to customs enforcement: stronger importer and broker vetting, greater disclosure of supply chains and foreign export records, higher bond requirements and more audits. The order also directs CBP and DOJ to prioritize transshipment, undervaluation, misclassification and forced-labor violations.

It calls for tougher penalties, including a minimum 50% penalty floor absent specified exceptional circumstances, faster handling of seized goods and annual enforcement transparency reports. DHS must also recommend legislative reforms.

An executive order alone does not change enforcement. DHS, CBP and DOJ must act on its directives, and Congress must follow through where legislation or funding is required.