Customer Advisory
Trade
World Events

White House Signs Executive Order Increasing Customs Presence

Our team continues to monitor this situation closely and will provide you with timely updates and guidance as more information is released.

18 June 2026

The White House recently issued an Executive Order aimed at strengthening U.S. customs enforcement and increasing oversight of import transactions. While many of the proposed changes will require rulemaking and stakeholder input before implementation, importers should expect heightened scrutiny from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the months ahead.

The Executive Order directs CBP to expand enforcement efforts, strengthen importer-of-record (IOR) requirements, increase auditing activity, and implement additional compliance measures to combat undervaluation, misclassification, forced labor violations, transshipment schemes, and duty evasion.

What This Means for Importers

The Executive Order also proposes significant changes for Importers of Record, including enhanced vetting procedures, risk-based compliance rankings, and stricter eligibility requirements for both U.S. and foreign importers.

As CBP implements these initiatives, importers may experience:

Increased customs inspections, document reviews, and cargo examinations
Greater scrutiny of declared values, tariff classifications, country of origin claims, and trade compliance documentation
More frequent audits and compliance reviews
Potential increases in customs bond requirements
Additional importer disclosure and reporting obligations
Longer clearance times and possible supply chain disruptions
Increased costs associated with examinations, storage, demurrage, and customs enforcement actions

Foreign Importer Considerations

The Order establishes a clearer distinction between U.S. and foreign Importers of Record. Proposed changes include:

Foreign Importers of Record may no longer be permitted to file informal entries
Foreign importers may be required to maintain sufficient continuous bond coverage
Eligible foreign importers may need to participate in CTPAT or utilize a CTPAT-validated customs broker
Enhanced disclosure requirements regarding ownership, business affiliations, and operational information

Companies currently importing under a foreign IOR structure should closely monitor future CBP guidance to assess any operational impacts.

Recommended Actions

To prepare for increased enforcement and compliance expectations, we recommend that importers:

Review internal customs compliance procedures
Ensure commercial invoices, packing lists, and entry documentation are complete and accurate
Verify HTS classifications, country of origin declarations, and customs values
Maintain supporting documentation for valuation and classification decisions
Confirm compliance with applicable government agency requirements
Evaluate current customs bond sufficiency and importer of record structures
Allow additional time in supply chain planning for potential customs reviews and examinations

Looking Ahead

Many provisions contained in the Executive Order will be implemented over the next several months through regulatory updates and CBP guidance. Importers should expect continued increases in enforcement activity as CBP focuses on supply chain transparency, importer accountability, and trade compliance.

Unsure if Your Imports Will Be Impacted?

Connect with your local branch/account manager or click here to contact our compliance team.

Our Commitment

OIA Global continues to closely monitor this situation and support your shipments with proactive compliance reviews and guidance. Our team is available to assist with documentation validation, shipment planning, and any questions you may have. To receive timely information on changes, subscribe to receive our email communications for updates.

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