On August 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a new Trade Fraud Task Force, an interagency initiative aimed at “robust enforcement” against importers and other parties who defraud the United States by evading tariffs or importing prohibited goods. The task force will coordinate closely with DHS agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), to strengthen enforcement against trade fraud that threatens U.S. economic and national security.
Key Notes
- The task force enhances interagency coordination and signals the Trump administration’s readiness to treat trade fraud as a national security concern, escalating the compliance burden for multinational companies.
- Companies that fail to comply with customs obligations risk severe financial penalties, reputational harm, and a greater risk of criminal liability, including multimillion-dollar fines and lengthy prison terms.