in effect
Executive Order 14411, signed June 3, 2026, directs the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to overhaul how the federal government identifies, vets, and holds accountable the businesses and individuals who bring goods into the United States. It sets specific deadlines for regulatory changes, enforcement escalations, and new disclosure requirements, and asks Congress to consider supporting legislation.
All importers of record (IORs) must now maintain a minimum level of U.S.-based assets or bonds and keep a “good standing” status with CBP based on their compliance history — those found to have imported fentanyl or other contraband lose that status and cannot import. Foreign IORs face stricter rules: they are prohibited from using the informal (low-value shipment) entry process entirely, and for formal entries they must post individual bonds per shipment rather than relying on a blanket continuous bond, and must use a CTPAT-certified customs broker. Within 90 days, minimum penalty reductions are capped at 50% of the assessed fine, with no mitigation at all for repeat offenders, and liquidated damages floors are established. CBP must also publish annual enforcement transparency reports and expedite the seizure and disposal of non-compliant shipments, including by authorizing third-party disposal companies.
Foreign companies and individuals who import goods into the United States — particularly high-volume, low-value shippers — face the most significant new costs and restrictions, including mandatory bonds, broker requirements, and additional disclosure of ownership and supply chain data. U.S.-based importers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and bonded warehouse operators are subject to enhanced vetting, compliance audits, and higher penalties for violations. Domestic businesses that compete with imported goods may benefit indirectly if the rules reduce duty evasion and undervaluation by foreign competitors.