Stepping Into the Enforcement Spotlight -- Customs and Border Patrol and Import Enforcement

What if your next import shipment becomes the centre of a federal enforcement action — not because of criminal intent, but because of a mistake? In today’s episode, Michael Volkov breaks down the expanding power and reach of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) and what it means for businesses navigating an increasingly aggressive trade enforcement landscape. With the Trump Administration’s re-defined objective of fair trade, companies across all sectors need to brace for scrutiny, adapt to evolving risks, and rethink their compliance strategies.

You’ll hear him discuss:

• The Trump Administration’s focus on fair trade and why CPB has become a central enforcement agency under this new agenda
• How CPB exercises its authority to impose regulatory penalties, seize goods, and refer serious cases for civil or criminal prosecution
• The legal standards that determine the severity of violations — fraud, gross negligence, or negligence — and how each carries different penalty thresholds
• Why the materiality of a false statement or omission is a key factor in determining whether a violation has occurred
• The importance of voluntary disclosure and how it can significantly reduce potential penalties and protect company reputation
• The step-by-step process of CPB administrative enforcement, including investigations, pre-penalty notices, appeals, and mitigation options
• The expanding impact of the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA), and how companies can be held accountable for evading anti-dumping and countervailing duties
• Why businesses must now take a closer look at their import documentation, supply chain practices, and overall trade compliance posture

Resources

Michael Volkov on LinkedIn | Twitter

The Volkov Law Group