Trump Signs Customs Enforcement Executive Order — Tightens Duty Evasion Rules, Raises Penalties for Importers

Also on June 3, 2026, Trump signed a second executive order titled 'Strengthening Customs Enforcement,' directing a sweeping overhaul of US customs law enforcement to combat duty evasion and illegal importation. The order significantly increases bonding requirements for importers of record (IORs), requires foreign importers to meet heightened formal entry requirements (only US entities may file informal entry), imposes a 'good standing' standard for all active importers, and permanently revokes import privileges from any importer connected to fentanyl trafficking, contraband, or customs violations. Penalty minimums are set at 50% of assessed amounts with no mitigation for repeat offenders. Importers must certify supply chain compliance, disclose certain foreign tax and global business identifiers, and provide detailed production method information. Within 180 days, DHS must revise importer eligibility requirements. The order is part of Trump's broader post-tariff-court-defeats strategy to crack down on importers who undervalue goods or evade Section 301 duties — a problem that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) estimates costs the US billions annually.