The CTPAT Ultimatum: New EO Ties Entry Filing Privileges to CTPAT Validation Status
A sweeping new White House Executive Order is set to once again shake up global supply chains by requiring a historic overhaul of the U.S. Importer of Record (IOR) framework. It lays out raising penalty floors, and tightening disclosure rules for everyone bringing goods into the United States, among other things.
Origin Engineering: How Substantial Transformation Can Reduce Your Tariff Exposure
“Origin Engineering” refers to modifying the sourcing of essential product inputs or relocating key manufacturing processes from countries subject to higher tariff rates to jurisdictions with more favorable trade treatment. It is one of the most effective tools available to importers navigating elevated tariff exposure.
Contracts and Purchase Orders in Mexico – Their Role in Demonstrating Customs Compliance and the Substance of Foreign Trade Transactions
Mexico’s customs and foreign trade legal framework has evolved toward a stricter and more controlled compliance model.
Customs Enforcement Overhaul: What Importers and Brokers Need to Do Now
On June 3, 2026, President Trump issued Executive Order 14411, “Strengthening Customs Enforcement,” directing the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to tighten importer eligibility, increase disclosure obligations, and expand enforcement measures across the U.S. import system.
A US Departure From the USMCA. Is That Even Worthy of Discussion?
Yes, regarding this particular topic I am immediately surrounded by all of those external voices, even internal, telling me of how ridiculous it would be for the US to follow through and pull out of the USMCA. My response of course is noting that I probably wouldn’t have given the topic a second thought had the President of the United States not mentioned that this was a consideration regarding the upcoming July 2026 USMCA review.
SCOTUS Denies Petition to Review Federal Circuit’s Ruling on Section 301 Lists 3 and 4A Tariffs
On June 15, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition for a writ of certiorari in the case of HMTX Industries LLC v. United States. The petition came in response to the Federal Circuit’s decision to uphold use of tariffs against China under Lists 3 and 4A of Section 301 during the first Trump Administration.
IEEPA Tariff Refunds and the U.S. Government’s Appeal: Where the Litigation Stands, and What it Means for Importers
After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s IEEPA tariffs as unconstitutional in February 2026, the Court tasked the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) with developing refund procedures for importers who paid IEEPA tariffs.
USTR Report Proposes Section 301 Tariffs of 10%, 12.5% on Major Trading Partners
On June 2, 2026, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released its report on Section 301 investigations into the practices of sixty trade partners’ economies with regard to forced labor prohibitions.
New Executive Order Strengthening CBP Enforcement
President Trump signed the new Executive Order “Strengthening Customs Enforcement.” This new order from the administration tackles different administrative priorities related to customs: Customs Reform and Combatting Customs Fraud. The order-related fact sheet goes into detail about how the Executive Order addresses these objectives and how this will affect importers moving forward.
Customs Fraud, Whistleblowers, and $1.8 Billion in Liability: Lessons for Importers
The outcome of this customs fraud criminal investigation case highlights significant compliance risks for importers, particularly in the areas of classification, documentation, and internal controls.