U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recently stepped up its efforts, creating new challenges for the cross-border logistics industry. After seizing large amounts of contraband and non-compliant food products, customs officials have started unscheduled spot checks at several ports. As a result, inspection rates have increased significantly at major ports nationwide. Cross-border operators should take note of the following points:
Key product categories subject to customs inspection
U.S. Customs is increasing scrutiny of products such as golf carts, snowplows, electric scooters, and other electrical, mechanical, or sporting goods. For clothing and textiles, shipments may be flagged for questionable brand authorization or low declared values. Under-declaring can result in additional duties and substantial fines.
To maintain compliance, all supporting documentation, such as purchase contracts, payment records, and shipping paperwork, must be accurate and complete. Submission of false or misleading information can result in penalties or blacklisting. It is essential to declare the actual transaction value of imported goods. U.S. Customs has increased enforcement efforts, and any discrepancies may result in adjusted duties based on estimated values.
Tariff Crackdown Escalates, Raising Risk of Criminal Charges
The U.S. Department of Justice has established a special task force to address trade-related tax evasion following the latest global tariff changes. Cases that used to end with fines or civil settlements are now more likely to lead to criminal charges. The risk of prosecution is much higher than before.
DOJ prosecutors are targeting industries such as steel, aluminum, textiles, and consumer goods. They are investigating violations like concealing the true country of origin through transshipment, misdeclaring tariff codes, and underreporting transaction values.
If your business trades these products across borders, now is the time to review your compliance and risk management. U.S. Customs is increasing inspections, particularly in areas such as product classification and business relationships. Take steps now to make sure your company stays on the right side of these stricter rules.
Some ports have suspended customs clearance
Customs clearance operations have been suspended at several ports, including Detroit and Minneapolis-St. Paul. We recommend that shippers avoid sending goods through these locations until further notice.
If your cargo is already booked to one of the affected ports, contact your shipping provider immediately to arrange an alternative destination. Failing to do so may result in your goods being held at a “suspended port.”
We are closely monitoring the situation and will share updates as developments occur. Staying informed will help you avoid delays and keep your shipments moving smoothly.
Current Situation at Inspection Stations: Lower Efficiency Requires Patience and Strategy
Customs and terminal authorities are now reviewing documents more thoroughly, which means clearance is taking longer. Inspections are occurring more frequently and covering a wider range of areas, resulting in many inspection stations being overloaded. This is slowing down container inspections, particularly when containers require unpacking.
Due to the backlog, officers at inspection stations are working less efficiently, resulting in containers staying on-site longer. Even with staff following up on cases, customs rules control the clearance process, and it cannot be expedited from outside.
To lower risks, it’s best to ship goods in smaller, spaced-out batches. This way, if one batch is delayed, your whole supply chain is less likely to be affected.
Hongocean: Simplify your shipping process with end-to-end support
Clearing U.S. customs is just the first step. When it’s time to ship, Hongocean gives you the tools and support you need to manage every part of your international shipping, whether by air or sea.
From pickup to delivery, we help you work with suppliers and carriers across different countries and regions. With us as your partner, you can handle shipping with more clarity and confidence.
Use our platform to get instant quotes and book international air freight and sea freight services, including full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) shipments.
We also offer cargo insurance, pre-shipment inspections, and advanced tracking tools to keep you informed throughout the supply chain.
Additionally, we manage the customs clearance process and submit the necessary documents on your behalf to ensure smooth clearance.
