Webinar - The New Customs Enforcement Era: How Importers Can Prepare for Increased CBP Scrutiny

A Fundamental Shift in Customs Enforcement Is Underway: Will Your Company Be Classified as High Risk?

For years, many importers viewed customs compliance as an administrative function and outsourced it to their brokers. That era is over.

The White House’s June 3 Executive Order, Strengthening Customs Enforcement, signals a dramatic expansion of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s enforcement authority and priorities. Combined with a sharp increase in CBP Requests for Information (CF-28s), Notices of Action (CF-29s), importer investigations, and new technology-driven targeting tools, the Executive Order reflects a broader government effort to identify and pursue perceived non-compliant importers.

Most significantly, the Executive Order directs CBP to establish a new category of foreign importers defined as having foreign controlling beneficial owners that could face substantial operational restrictions, including the potential loss of eligibility for informal entries and continuous customs bonds. Companies that have long relied on streamlined import processes may soon face significantly greater compliance obligations, financial exposure, and supply chain disruption.

Additional policy and regulatory changes are expected by November 30, making now a critical time for importers to evaluate their customs compliance programs and enforcement preparedness.

Join Kelley Drye Customs Partner Carrie Owens and Trade Analyst Hans Maxime as they discuss:

• What the Executive Order means for importers and why it represents one of the most significant customs enforcement developments in decades;
• The creation of a new category of high-risk importers and the potential consequences for customs entry procedures, bonding requirements, and CBP scrutiny;
• Why CBP enforcement activity is increasing and what companies should expect from audits, investigations, CF-28s, CF-29s, and other enforcement actions;
• The compliance practices importers should implement now to reduce risk and prepare for upcoming regulatory changes; and
• Practical steps companies can take to protect their supply chains and avoid becoming an enforcement target.

As CBP moves toward a more aggressive enforcement model, importers that prepare now will be better positioned to manage risk, maintain operational flexibility, and respond effectively when questions arise.

Register today to learn how your company can prepare for the next phase of customs enforcement.

Kelley Drye is an accredited provider of CA, IL, NY, and TX CLE. This non-transitional continuing legal education program has been approved for, 1.0 NY Professional Practice credit, 1.0 General Illinois credit, 1.0 CA General credit and 1.0 Texas General credit. We will apply for CLE credit in other jurisdictions, upon request, but cannot guarantee approval. 

Register here.