Recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has entered an intensified enforcement phase, with ports across the nation implementing a "strict inspection mode." Inspection rates remain consistently high, and severe congestion and overcapacity at multiple port inspection sites have led to significantly extended clearance timelines.
Beyond seasonal factors like the pre-holiday shipping peak and election-year regulatory tightening, three core drivers are behind this heightened scrutiny:
First, CBP has been continuously upgrading its automated inspection system in 2025-early 2026. However, the system is not yet mature, requiring extensive manual review as a backup. Shipments with under-declared values or vague product descriptions are facing significantly intensified checks.
Second, following the implementation of new customs inspection regulations last August, the focus has expanded from undervaluation and IP infringement checks to verifying the authenticity of trade relationships. CBP is now closely examining the legitimacy and operational status of U.S. importers, even verifying transaction details via phone or requesting supporting documents like full-container sales contracts and payment records. This aims to close loopholes where shell companies are used to evade oversight.
Third, specific product categories are under strict scrutiny. Counterfeit goods, illegally transshipped products, items subject to anti-dumping duties (e.g., mattresses, tires), children's products, electronics, food items, and textiles are all on a high-priority list, facing far more frequent inspections than other categories.
Sellers are advised to closely monitor the following developments and compliance points, and prepare proactively to avoid the setbacks of detained shipments.
01 Inspection Status: Multi-Port/Region Warnings, Delays Across the Board
Current inspection paces vary by U.S. port, but the overall trend is "strict checks + slow releases":
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High-Risk Inspection Ports: New York, Savannah, Miami, Boston, Oakland, Houston, Seattle.
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Very High-Risk Strict Ports (Avoid if Possible): Baltimore, Mobile, Tampa, Tacoma, Dallas, Detroit, Minneapolis, Puerto Rico, Omaha, St. Paul, New Orleans, Hawaii, Alaska, Norfolk, Cincinnati, Nashville, Charleston, Orlando, Las Vegas, Jacksonville.
02 Compliance Core: 4 Key Points to Minimize Detention Risks
The essence of this crackdown is a "compliance closed-loop" audit. Sellers should adhere to the following key points to ensure shipment information is fully traceable and verifiable:
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Document Consistency: Ensure uniformity across the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice/packing list, and manifest. Product descriptions should be specific, not generic.
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Declaration Uniformity: Information on the AMS/ISF and Entry—including shipper/consignee details, product descriptions, and HS codes—must be consistent.
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Strict Scrutiny for High-Risk Products: Items subject to anti-dumping duties (e.g., mattresses, tires) and engineering/mechanical products (e.g., excavators, heavy equipment) are key targets. Focus on these three verifications:
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Value Verification: Declare accurate values; avoid under- or over-valuation.
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Trade Authenticity Verification: Have contracts, payment proof, etc., ready to demonstrate legitimate trade relationships.
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Country of Origin Verification: Prepare relevant documents like Certificates of Origin to clarify sourcing.
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Increased Scrutiny by Other Agencies: Alongside CBP, agencies like the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), DOT (Department of Transportation), and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) are also ramping up checks. Prepare corresponding technical files and test reports in advance:
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Toys, Carpets: Subject to strict CPSC review; prepare product safety test reports and compliance certificates.
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Electronics: Have FCC certification and EPA certification (if applicable) ready.
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Motor Vehicles & Parts: Ensure DOT certification compliance; keep related documents complete.
03 Contingency Measures: Minimizing Losses if Shipments Are Inspected
Act Immediately, Identify the Reason
Contact your freight forwarder/customs broker promptly to obtain the CBP inspection notice and clarify the core issue (document errors, declaration problems, or product compliance). Avoid blindly submitting additional documents and delaying resolution.
Targeted Correction, Quickly Supplement Materials
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For Undervaluation: Quickly prepare proof of actual value, pay owed duties and penalties (typically 10%-40% of the value difference), and cooperate proactively.
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For Missing Certifications: If lacking required certifications (e.g., FDA, FCC, EPA), expedite obtaining them or provide interim permits while explaining the situation to seek leniency.
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For IP Infringement: Quickly provide brand authorization (if available). If unauthorized, negotiate a settlement with the rights holder to avoid destruction of goods (which is irreversible).
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For Document Inconsistencies: Quickly review all documents, correct errors, recompile a full set of compliant documents, and resubmit for CBP review to ensure accuracy.
04 Long-Term Risk Mitigation: 2 Core Paths to Proactively Navigate the New Normal
Given CBP's current enforcement stance, "compliance inspections" are likely here to stay, not just a short-term push. Sellers should choose a compliance path based on their specific situation to strengthen their supply chain security.
Build Local Inventory, Avoid Clearance Uncertainty
For sellers with stable shipment volumes and high repeat-purchase rates, especially of large/heavy items (e.g., furniture, outdoor products), shipping goods in bulk to U.S. overseas warehouses in advance can significantly reduce the uncertainty and delay risks of port-by-port clearance, ensuring local stock availability.
If using modes like MDDP (Manufacturer Direct Delivery Program), partner with experienced, standardized freight forwarders to avoid future risks from incorrect declarations (e.g., under-declaration, mismatched descriptions).
Standardize Front-End Declarations, Conduct "Pre-Shipment Checks"
If advance stocking isn't feasible, ensure full-process standardization of front-end declarations:
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Verify Document Information: Before shipping, meticulously check Bill of Lading, invoice, packing list, and AMS/ISF details for accuracy.
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Verify Product Compliance: Confirm in advance that product certifications, labeling, country of origin markings, etc., meet U.S. import requirements. Consider pre-compliance reviews for high-risk categories.
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Build in Buffer Time: For high-value or sensitive products, allow a 1-2 week buffer in the clearance schedule to mitigate delays from inspections impacting delivery cycles.
The seemingly strict oversight is, to some extent, reverse protection for compliant sellers. Instead of reacting passively to inspections and bearing losses from detained goods, it's better to proactively prepare for compliance and implement risk-mitigation strategies in advance.
We will continue to monitor policy changes in real-time, helping Chinese cross-border enterprises navigate trade risks and maintain stable supply chain operations.
