Enforcement of cross-border cargo regulations has significantly increased during the Trump administration, causing delays and financial burdens for shippers, according to industry experts. As the U.S. implements higher tariffs, the scrutiny on freight screening and penalties has intensified, reflecting a more protectionist stance on customs. Breanna Leininger, overseeing U.S. operations at Pacific Customs Brokers in Vancouver, describes the substantial changes in demands for documentation on shipped goods, which have multiplied tenfold compared to previous years.
Importers are facing heightened requirements to demonstrate compliance with product classifications and trade agreements, necessitating a more extensive paper trail of labor and manufacturing records that seems to evolve constantly. This stricter enforcement is supported by data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, showing a projected 26% increase in audits in 2026 compared to 2024.
These measures coincide with an escalating trade dispute between Canada and the U.S., resulting in additional tariffs imposed by both nations. The resulting border delays and increased administrative burdens contribute to rising costs and operational challenges for businesses involved in cross-border trade. Leininger emphasizes that while some businesses have managed to navigate these changes, others have found the process overwhelmingly difficult and have considered abandoning cross-border trade altogether.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection emphasized the importance of importers providing accurate information and exercising due diligence in complying with trade regulations. The agency stated that its trade enforcement strategies are continuously adjusted based on risk assessments, trade patterns, and legal requirements.