On June 3, 2026, President Trump issued an Executive Order titled Strengthening Customs Enforcement, directing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to implement a broad range of measures designed to improve customs compliance, strengthen revenue collection, and enhance enforcement against illicit trade practices.
Many of the changes are expected to be implemented within the next 90 to 180 days.
The Administration has stated that the initiative is intended to address longstanding enforcement gaps, improve accountability among importers, and ensure that companies operating in compliance with U.S. trade laws are not disadvantaged by those that evade duties or other legal requirements.
Key Changes
Stronger Importer Accountability
CBP has been directed to establish new requirements for importers of record (IORs), including minimum levels of U.S.-based assets, increased bonding requirements, and expanded disclosure of ownership, affiliations, and business operations.
Importers will also be required to maintain “good standing” with CBP to retain their import privileges. These changes are intended to improve accountability and ensure that importers have the resources necessary to meet their obligations under U.S. customs laws.
Enhanced Oversight of Foreign-Owned Importers
The order creates a more restrictive definition of a U.S. importer of record and directs CBP to more closely examine companies with limited U.S. operations or assets.
The Administration has indicated that these measures are intended to reduce the use of shell entities and improve enforcement against parties that may be difficult to reach through traditional enforcement channels.
Expanded Supply Chain Transparency
Importers may be required to provide more detailed information regarding imported products, ownership structures, supply chains, manufacturing processes, and foreign export documentation.
These requirements are expected to improve CBP’s ability to verify compliance with customs, trade, forced labor, and country-of-origin requirements.
Increased Enforcement Efforts
The order directs CBP and the Department of Justice to prioritize enforcement actions involving customs fraud, undervaluation, transshipment, forced labor, and other trade violations.
It also calls for additional audits and stronger penalties for repeat offenders. These actions are intended to protect compliant businesses and strengthen confidence in the integrity of the U.S. trade system.
Greater Transparency
CBP has been directed to publish annual enforcement reports and increase public visibility into customs enforcement activities and priorities.
These reports are expected to provide stakeholders with greater insight into agency efforts and compliance expectations.
What This Means for AWPA Members
For companies that import raw materials, equipment, components, or finished products, the Executive Order signals a stronger emphasis on customs compliance and supply chain transparency.
While implementation details are still being developed, members should anticipate:
- Increased documentation and recordkeeping requirements
- Higher customs bond and administrative compliance costs in some cases
- More rigorous importer vetting and oversight
- Greater scrutiny of supply chain and country-of-origin information
- Enhanced enforcement efforts targeting customs fraud and duty evasion
Many of these measures are intended to ensure that businesses complying with U.S. trade laws can compete on a level playing field and are not disadvantaged by those seeking to avoid legal obligations.
AWPA will continue to monitor developments as CBP issues implementing regulations and guidance over the coming months. We will keep members informed of any significant developments and their potential impact on the wire and wire products industry.
You can read Kelley Drye’s full write-up here: Link to Kelley Drye PDF