Trump Signs Executive Order to Strengthen Customs Enforcement and Increase Country of Origin Accountability
WASHINGTON, D.C. — June 4, 2026 — President Donald Trump has signed a new Executive Order aimed at strengthening U.S. customs enforcement, increasing importer accountability, and improving transparency throughout global supply chains.
The Executive Order directs the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to develop new regulations and enforcement measures designed to address customs fraud, duty evasion, illegal transshipment, supply chain transparency, and importer compliance.
For American manufacturers, the announcement signals a growing federal focus on ensuring imported products comply with U.S. trade laws and that importers provide more complete and accurate information about where products come from and who is responsible for bringing them into the country.
What the Executive Order Does
The Executive Order outlines a broad customs reform initiative that includes stronger oversight of Importers of Record (IORs), expanded supply chain disclosure requirements, enhanced enforcement authority for CBP, and increased penalties for customs violations.
Among the measures directed by the order are:
- Enhanced verification of importers and company ownership
- Increased importer bond requirements
- Additional disclosure requirements related to product sourcing and manufacturing
- New risk-based importer compliance programs
- Expanded audits and enforcement actions
- Greater scrutiny of foreign importers
- Stronger penalties for customs violations and repeat offenders
The Administration stated that current customs systems contain loopholes that allow some bad actors to avoid duties, obscure supply chain information, and evade accountability under U.S. trade laws.
Why American Manufacturers Are Paying Attention
For years, many American manufacturers have expressed concerns about unfair competition from imported products that may be improperly classified, undervalued, transshipped through third countries, or imported using incomplete Country of Origin information.
While the vast majority of importers operate legally, federal officials have increasingly focused on improving enforcement against those who intentionally exploit weaknesses within the customs system.
The Executive Order specifically highlights concerns involving:
- Undervalued imports
- Misclassification of products
- Duty evasion
- Illegal transshipment
- Forced labor enforcement
- Origin verification
- Product safety compliance
By strengthening enforcement tools available to CBP, federal officials hope to improve compliance and create a more transparent import environment.
Country of Origin Takes Center Stage
One of the most significant aspects of the Executive Order is its emphasis on supply chain transparency and origin verification.
The order repeatedly references rules of origin, origin marking requirements, importer disclosures, manufacturer identification, and production information. While the Executive Order does not directly address consumer-facing Made in USA claims regulated by the Federal Trade Commission, it places substantial focus on the information used to determine where products originate.
As implementation moves forward, importers may be required to provide more detailed information regarding manufacturers, ownership structures, product specifications, and supply chain participants.
For businesses, government agencies, and consumers, accurate Country of Origin information is becoming increasingly important as sourcing decisions, procurement requirements, and trade enforcement efforts continue to evolve.
"For American manufacturers, transparency matters. Companies that invest in producing goods in the United States should be competing on a level playing field. Increased supply chain visibility and stronger Country of Origin accountability help ensure that businesses, government agencies, and consumers have access to more accurate information about where products are truly made."
— Brad Winnings, COO and Co-Founder, MadeInUSA.com
Increased Scrutiny for Foreign Importers
The Executive Order also creates a clear distinction between domestic and foreign Importers of Record.
Federal agencies have been directed to review policies governing foreign importers and develop enhanced requirements designed to ensure compliance with U.S. customs laws. The Administration cited concerns that foreign entities can be more difficult to investigate, audit, and hold accountable when violations occur.
As a result, foreign importers may face additional reporting requirements, increased bonding obligations, and greater scrutiny during the import process.
Supply Chain Transparency Becomes a National Priority
Beyond customs enforcement, the Executive Order reflects a broader trend toward increased supply chain transparency.
Government agencies, businesses, and consumers are placing greater emphasis on understanding where products are manufactured, how they are produced, and who is involved throughout the supply chain.
As federal agencies develop implementation plans over the coming months, manufacturers and importers should expect increased attention to documentation, sourcing records, and compliance verification.
What Happens Next?
The Executive Order does not immediately change existing customs regulations. Instead, it directs federal agencies to begin developing new regulations, enforcement procedures, guidance documents, and legislative recommendations.
Several provisions require agency action within 45, 90, and 180 days, while a comprehensive report evaluating the effectiveness of the reforms is due within one year.
Businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, distribution, procurement, and supply chain management should closely monitor future announcements from CBP and the Department of Homeland Security as implementation progresses.
The Bottom Line
The Executive Order represents one of the most significant federal efforts in recent years to strengthen customs enforcement and improve supply chain transparency.
For American manufacturers, it signals growing recognition of the importance of accurate Country of Origin information, importer accountability, and fair competition. While the full impact will depend on how federal agencies implement the order, the message is clear: transparency, compliance, and accountability are becoming increasingly important throughout the global supply chain.
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