ports

US Customs Tightens Rules on Importers, Brokers Brace for Stricter Enforcement

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will overhaul importer eligibility regulations and boost penalties for non-compliance under a presidential executive order. DHS has 180 days to finalize the changes. Importers of record must now disclose business ownership, foreign tax identifiers, sanctions certifications, product-level data, anticipated volumes and production methods. Supply chain visibility becomes mandatory. Customs prioritizes forced labor investigations alongside transhipment, undervaluation and misclassification enforcement. Customs brokers face expanded due diligence requirements for their clients. Industry officials say the directive creates significant uncertainty. William Jansen, director of customs brokerage services at Seko Logistics, noted companies are seeking clarity that doesn't yet exist. Bob Imbriani, executive vice president international at Team Worldwide, expressed major concerns about the regulatory shift.