CBP Announces Heightened Requirements for Foreign Importers of Record - USCBP
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) to establish new requirements for foreign Importers of Record (IORs) when bringing goods into the United States. Consistent with Executive Order 14411, “Strengthening Customs Enforcement,” the IFR is designed to strengthen importer accountability, improve CBP’s ability to address noncompliance, and help ensure that all importers operate under clear and enforceable requirements.
“The executive order levels the playing field by holding foreign IORs to the same standards as U.S.-based IORs and requiring them – or their customs brokers – to be CTPAT-validated,” said Diane J. Sabatino, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations. “This increases transparency, prevents the importation of unlawful and dangerous goods, and ensures fair competition for U.S. businesses and importers.”
These heightened requirements support CBP’s mission to protect the American public and ensure the collection of revenue owed to the United States. By requiring CTPAT validation, CBP is leveraging its trusted trader program to prevent foreign parties from evading U.S. customs and trade laws and leveling the playing field for U.S. businesses.
“Licensed customs brokers are now responsible for verifying that their clients meet the qualifications of a U.S. IOR before filing entries on their behalf,” said CBP Office of Trade Executive Assistant Commissioner Susan S. Thomas. “This requirement ensures that foreign importers are held accountable to U.S. laws which helps mitigate risks to revenue, U.S. industries, American consumers, and national security.”
The IFR becomes effective on January 5, 2027. The public may submit comments through the Federal Rulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov under docket number USCBP-2026-1387. Comments must be received on or before January 5, 2027, and comments will be considered in determining whether to amend, confirm, or withdraw the rule following its interim implementation.
These efforts support CBP’s broader work to protect the economy of the United States, ensure the health and safety of the American people, and strengthen the security and resilience of international supply chains.
For additional information on the IFR, Executive Order 14411, and related CBP actions, visit CBP's Strengthening Customs Enforcement website.
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Customs Bulletin Weekly Vol 60, November 4, 2026, No. 35 - CBP
Customs Bulletin Weekly Vol 60, November 4, 2026, No. 35 PDF 201.19 KB 11/04/2026
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Federal Register Notices:
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Certain Wooden Fence Components From the People's Republic of China: Initiation of Countervailing Duty Investigation
• Mattresses From Cambodia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, the Republic of Türkiye, the People's Republic of China, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Continuation of Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Orders
• Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules From India, Indonesia, and the Lao People's Democratic Republic: Countervailing Duty Orders
• Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Standard, Line, and Pressure Pipe From India: Initiation of Countervailing Duty Investigation
• Certain Wooden Fence Components From the People's Republic of China: Initiation of Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigation
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Certain Magnesia Carbon Bricks From the People's Republic of China: Initiation of Circumvention Inquiry on the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Wood Mouldings and Millwork Products From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2024
• Wooden Cabinets and Vanities and Components Thereof From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 2024-2025
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Wood Mouldings and Millwork Products From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2024
• Wooden Cabinets and Vanities and Components Thereof From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 2024-2025
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules, From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Court Decision Not in Harmony With the Results of Antidumping Administrative Review; Notice of Amended Final Results
• Certain Chassis and Subassemblies Thereof From the People's Republic of China: Continuation of Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Orders
• Chlorinated Isocyanurates From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2023
• Certain Metal Lockers and Parts Thereof From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results and Intent To Rescind, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2024-2025
• Stainless Steel Bar From India: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2024-2025
• Silicon Metal From Malaysia: Preliminary Results of 2024-2025 Antidumping Duty Administrative Review and Preliminary Determination Not To Revoke Order
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In the News:
• China’s trade surplus surpasses $1 trillion for a 2nd straight year, as exports surge 35% [AP News]
• White House vows to press ahead with tariffs despite midterm backlash over rising prices [CNBC]
• Canada Signs New Deals With China After Trump Drops Trade Demand [Newsweek]
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Is It Really 'FDA Approved'? - FDA
“FDA approved!”
Maybe you saw those words on a company’s website or in an ad promoting a product or treatment. Some marketers may say their products are “FDA approved.” How can you know for sure what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved?
The FDA is responsible for protecting public health by regulating human drugs and biological products, animal drugs, medical devices, tobacco products, food (including animal food), cosmetics, and electronic products that emit radiation.
But not all those products undergo premarket approval – that is, a review of safety, quality, and effectiveness by FDA experts and agency approval before a product can be sold to consumers. In some cases, the FDA’s statutory authority means that the agency needs to focus on products after they are already for sale. That is determined by Congress in establishing the FDA’s authorities. Here is a guide to how the FDA regulates products — and what the agency does (and doesn’t) approve.
Read further
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Houston CBP Sizes Nearly $1 Million in Counterfeit Lithium Batteries - CBP
U.S. Customs and Border Protection today announced the seizure of 290 cartons of lithium batteries worth nearly $1 million featuring unauthorized Bluetooth branding, protecting the marketplace from counterfeit goods.
Following a meticulous physical examination and coordination with trademark representatives, CBP officers and import specialists from the Trade Enforcement Team at the Area Port of Houston/Galveston confirmed the merchandise violated intellectual property laws. The examination revealed 290 cartons of lithium batteries branded as "EZ Kruiser" bearing the trademarked Bluetooth logo. Further investigation by CBP confirmed the unauthorized use of the Bluetooth logo.
CBP determined that the unauthorized use of the Bluetooth logo on the subject batteries constitutes a violation of 19 CFR 133.21(e). Consequently, the merchandise is subject to seizure pursuant to 19 USC 1526(e).
“These global criminal networks do great harm to hard-working American businesses who play by the rules,” said Area Port Director John Landry. “Fake goods not only harm our nation’s commerce, but often funds global criminal activity like money laundering, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities. CBP encourages consumers to only order merchandise from the trademark holder or other authorized retailer.”
In recent months, CBP officers in Houston have seen significant seizures of counterfeit watches, stolen vehicles, baby toys, and World Cup FIFA memorabilia and apparel.
Illegitimate sales are some of the most profitable transnational crimes. Counterfeiters sell inauthentic versions of popular products in response to trends, often through online sources, which adversely impacts legitimate U.S. businesses. These items include fake medications, perfumes, cosmetics, children’s toys and costumes. In addition, counterfeit fashion, jewelry, luxury products, and unsafe electronics and automotive parts can pose health and safety risks to American consumers as they are often made with substandard or harmful materials.
To guarantee you are getting what you paid for consumers should shop from reputable sources. Each time a counterfeit good is purchased, a legitimate company loses revenue. This translates to lost profits and the loss of U.S. jobs over time. CBP targets and seizes imports of IPR violative goods. Counterfeits are a global problem with nearly 90% of CBP’s IPR seizures originating from China and Hong Kong.
To learn more about what CBP is doing every day to protect Americans from counterfeit goods, visit the Truth Behind Counterfeits public awareness campaign webpage.
CBP protects the intellectual property rights of American businesses through an aggressive Intellectual Property Rights enforcement program, safeguarding them from unfair competition and use for malicious intent while upholding American innovation and ingenuity. Suspected violations can be reported to CBP by visiting the Trade Violations Reporting site or call 1-800-BE-ALERT.
Consumers can also take simple steps to protect themselves and their families from counterfeit goods:
Purchase goods directly from the trademark holder or from authorized retailers.
• When shopping online, read seller reviews and check for a working U.S. phone number and an address that can be used to contact the seller.
• Review CBP’s E-Commerce Counterfeit Awareness Guide for Consumers.
• Remember that if the price of a product seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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Various Counterfeit Watches and Steroids Seized by Chicago CBP - CBP
CHICAGO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team at Chicago O’Hare International Airport seized a shipment containing various counterfeit watches and steroids on Halloween. Had these items been genuine, the shipment would have had a combined manufacturer’s suggested retail price of over $6.2 million.
The shipment from China was headed for California when officers pulled the parcel for inspection. The examination revealed watches bearing the suspected trademarks of Burberry, Tag Heuer, Fossil, Seiko, Hugo Boss Swarovski, Movado, Audemars Piguet, Tissot, Cartier and Rolex, and ear buds branded as AirPods bearing the Apple trademark. These items were deemed to be inauthentic by CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise, the agency’s trade experts, and were seized for bearing counterfeit versions of registered and recorded trademarks.
Officers also found several types of powders and liquids in the shipment, which tested positive for various types of different steroid-related Schedule III substance.
“Our officers across the nation routinely see these types of shipments and they are illegal,” said Chicago Field Office’s Acting Director of Field Operations Michael Pfeiffer. “In this instance officers not only stopped counterfeit watches that threaten America’s economic vitality and often funds criminal activities, but the officers also identified illicit shipments containing steroids, which are extremely dangerous. This seizure illustrates the work our officers do every day to protect our country, its citizens, and the economy.”
CBP has the authority to detain, seize, forfeit, and ultimately destroy imported merchandise if it bears an infringing trademark or copyright that has been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office and has subsequently been recorded with CBP through the e-Recordation program. https://iprr.cbp.gov/s/. Other violations can include misclassification of merchandise, false country-of-origin markings, health and safety issues, and valuation issues.
Counterfeit goods can often be spotted by their inferior quality. Peeling labels, low-quality ink or printing errors on the packaging, and the quality of the packaging, all can be signs that the product you purchased may not be legitimate. Counterfeit apparel and handbags may feature poor or uneven stitching, be improperly sized, or not exist as a product the designer brand produces at all. The performance of counterfeit electronics is often marked by short battery life and regular overheating.
Furthermore, CBP protects the intellectual property rights of American businesses through an aggressive Intellectual Property Right enforcement program, safeguarding them from unfair competition and use for malicious intent while upholding American innovation and ingenuity. The Truth Behind Counterfeits public awareness campaign provides information about what CBP is doing every day to protect Americans from counterfeit goods.
Consumers can also take simple steps to protect themselves and their families from counterfeit goods:
• Purchase goods directly from the trademark holder or from authorized retailers.
• When shopping online, read seller reviews and check for a working U.S. phone number and an address that can be used to contact the seller.
• Review CBP’s E-Commerce Counterfeit Awareness Guide for Consumers.
• Remember that if the price of a product seems too good to be true, it probably is.
To report suspected counterfeits, visit CBP’s online e-Allegations portal or call 1-800-BE-ALERT.