Importer Focused Executive Order to Reset Rules

On June 3, 2026, U.S. President Trump issued an Executive Order on Strengthening Customs Enforcement that aims to close enforcement gaps and level the field between U.S. and foreign importers to reduce fraud, revenue loss, and national security risks.

The order tightens customs rules for U.S.-bound goods by making importer-of-record (IOR) standards stricter. Key changes include possible bans on foreign IORs filing informal entries, updated bonding requirements, and stricter vetting of brokers, forwarders, and bonded custodians.

Within 180 days, new importer eligibility regulations could require importers to maintain minimum domestic assets, bonding, or both, potentially restricting market access for some importers. CBP may also require IORs to provide more data, such as anticipated import volumes, year organized, ownership and beneficial ownership details, business affiliations, and domestic asset information. These measures could increase compliance burdens and add new reporting obligations.

Definitions

U.S. Import of Record means an importer that, in the case of an individual, is a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident, and in the case of an entity, is organized under the laws of the United States, is located in the United States, and has at all times controlling beneficial owner(s) who are United States citizens or lawful permanent residents; or, in the case of an entity, owns a significant amount of real property in the United States, as determined by the Secretary.

Foreign Importer of Record means an importer that does not meet the definition of U.S. Importer of Record — in the case of an individual, is not a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident, and in the case of an entity, is not organized under the laws of the United States, not located in the United States, does not have at all times controlling beneficial owner(s) who are United States citizens or lawful permanent residents, or does not own a significant amount of real property in the United States, as determined by the Secretary.

Additional Information

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Strengthens Customs Enforcement – The White House

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