President Trump recently signed an Executive Order titled “Establishing Enhanced Collection and Enforcement of Antidumping and Countervailing Duties and Violations of Trade and Customs Laws.”
The Executive Order contains limited specific details, but provides an indication that relevant regulations are likely to be modified and that increased enforcement is imminent. First, the Order calls on relevant Federal Agencies to provide additional security for antidumping and countervailing duties through bonds or “other legal measures.” Second, the Order seeks to enhance the enforcement of intellectual property rights. Third, the Order seeks to “accord a high priority to prosecuting significant offenses related to violations of trade laws.”
Although determining whether your products may be within the scope of an antidumping or countervailing duty order is always important, increased scrutiny makes such a determination even more critical. Similarly, importers must take extra care in ensuring their products don’t infringe on any trademarks or copyrights. All signs point to CBP and other relevant agencies closely scrutinizing importers and making enforcement a priority.
You can read the Executive Order here.