The United States is intensifying its crackdown on import trade fraud, with enforcement efforts recovering over USD 1 billion in less than a year.

The regulatory focus has expanded beyond back-taxes and administrative penalties to include criminal prosecution, civil recovery, and cargo seizures, signaling a more aggressive and institutionalized approach.

On 14 July, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the establishment of the Trade Fraud Task Force and the release of the Trade Fraud Enforcement Resource Guide. These developments mark a significant shift in enforcement, targeting violations such as transshipment, false declarations of origin, undervaluation of goods, and other fraudulent practices. The DOJ also launched the Global Trade and Commerce Enforcement Unit, dedicated to prosecuting cases involving customs fraud, tariff evasion, and forced labor violations.

Recent enforcement cases highlight this escalating intensity. In June, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized a shipment from China at the Port of Norfolk for false declaration and anti-dumping duty evasion. The shipment, valued at USD 123,600, was misdeclared at just USD 500. In July, CBP intercepted a shipment of counterfeit Audemars Piguet watches, valued at over USD 28 million, at the Louisville port of entry.

The Trade Fraud Enforcement Resource Guide emphasizes that liability extends across the entire supply chain ?including freight forwarders, logistics providers, and overseas shippers ?if they knowingly assist in practices like duty evasion or false declarations. As enforcement grows more sophisticated, compliance is no longer optional. Every participant in the supply chain must prioritize managing trade compliance to avoid severe penalties and liabilities.

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