Import Tariffs: A Top-Tier Enforcement Priority in the U.S.

Why It Matters

With billions at stake and criminal penalties looming, firms that ignore the new enforcement regime risk severe financial loss and reputational damage, making robust trade‑compliance a strategic imperative.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. Treasury collected over $200 billion in tariffs last year.
• DOJ now leads Trade Fraud Task Force with DHS and CBP.
• Enforcement targets intentional undervaluation, misclassification, and false origin claims.
• Penalties include multi‑million fines and potential criminal charges.
• Companies must strengthen compliance to avoid costly investigations.

Summary

The program highlighted import tariffs as a top‑tier enforcement priority in the United States, noting that the first weeks of 2026 have already shown a surge in activity and that a pending Supreme Court decision on the Trump tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act could further reshape the landscape.

Treasury collected more than $200 billion in tariffs last year, underscoring the massive financial stakes for importers. A newly formed Trade Fraud Task Force, led by the Department of Justice and partnered with Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection, signals a shift from traditional export‑control focus to aggressive import‑fraud enforcement.

Jackson Wood quoted the task force’s mandate to “aggressively pursue enforcement actions against any parties who seek to evade tariffs,” and cited public cases: a jewelry importer fined $86 million for undervaluation and misclassification, and a forklift firm penalized $250,000 plus possible prison time for false Made‑in‑America labeling.

The heightened scrutiny forces companies to upgrade compliance programs, implement rigorous classification and valuation controls, and treat tariff evasion as a criminal risk. Failure to adapt could result in multi‑million penalties, supply‑chain disruptions, and personal liability for executives.

Original Description

Jackson Wood, Director of Industry Strategy, Global Trade Intelligence at Descartes, discusses the increase in tariff evasion and customs fraud enforcement, as well as the creation of the Trade Fraud Task Force.