The customs enforcement environment in 2026 looks very different from even two years ago. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has moved beyond traditional, paper based risk targeting and now uses advanced data scoring systems to detect anomalies in import data, trace potential transshipment routes, and connect supplier networks tied to forced labor.
At the same time, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is increasingly using the False Claims Act (FCA) to pursue civil penalties against importers accused of undervaluation, misclassification, or evasion of Section 301 and 232 duties. Together, these developments create an enforcement landscape where data integrity, supply chain transparency, and internal controls matter more than ever.
Here’s what importers should know and some practical guidance to maintain customs compliance:
AI powered trade targeting has arrived
CBP’s Automated Targeting System (ATS) now incorporates machine learning models trained on historical seizures, audit results, and worldwide trade data. These algorithms flag shipments for examination based on subtle patterns: shipping routes that mirror known diversion paths, price deviations within tariff lines, or supplier connections to entities previously detained under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA).
The agency now combines predictive risk modeling with advanced supply chain network mapping tools that visualize relationships among manufacturers, freight forwarders, and ultimate consignees. For example, a low value textile shipment routed through a new intermediary in Southeast Asia might attract scrutiny if its upstream suppliers are linked to entities previously flagged for forced labor concerns. (....)