Ports

Customs Rule Changes Pile Compliance Pressure on Shippers Heading Into Q4

New regulatory requirements across the US, Mexico and Europe are complicating supply chain management as carriers brace for a volatile fourth quarter. The convergence of updated customs rules, post-Golden Week market adjustments and ongoing Asian disruptions has created a more challenging operating environment for importers, according to shipping industry assessments.

US Customs and Border Protection has begun invalidating importer-of-record numbers for businesses providing incomplete identity information. The policy, enacted last month, prevents affected companies from importing goods. Importers must verify their Form 5106 documentation contains current addresses, phone numbers and email contacts while confirming access to their Automated Commercial Environment accounts.

Separately, CBP is accepting tariff refund requests for older finalized entries, though only from importers with pending cases in US Court of International Trade. Refunds require manual submission and registered banking details.