Federal Authorities Intensify Tariff Fraud Crackdown on Importers Amid Duty Evasion Concerns

## Federal Authorities Intensify Tariff Fraud Crackdown on Importers U.S. federal authorities are stepping up enforcement actions against importers accused of evading customs duties, with a growing list of companies now facing legal scrutiny over alleged tariff fraud, according to FreightWaves. Among the recent targets are First Brands, Perfectus, several Canadian steel firms, and railcar manufacturer Greenbrier — a diverse cross-section of industries that underscores the broad scope of the current enforcement campaign. The actions center on alleged duty evasion schemes, which typically involve misclassifying goods, undervaluing shipments, or routing cargo through third countries to circumvent applicable tariffs. ### Why This Matters for the Maritime Industry For maritime stakeholders — including freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean carriers, and port operators — the intensifying enforcement environment carries significant operational and compliance implications. Cargo moving through U.S. ports is subject to rigorous customs oversight, and parties involved in the supply chain can face liability if shipments are found to involve fraudulent duty declarations. The inclusion of steel firms in the enforcement actions is particularly notable for the shipping sector, given that steel imports have been a focal point of U.S. trade policy and Section 232 tariff measures in recent years. Misclassification of steel products to avoid these duties has been a known area of concern for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Greenbrier's appearance on the enforcement list may draw attention from the rail and intermodal freight community, as the company is a major manufacturer of railcars and intermodal equipment — assets that are integral to landside port logistics and cargo distribution networks. ### Compliance Implications The current wave of enforcement actions signals that CBP and the Department of Justice are prioritizing trade compliance as a regulatory focus. Industry analysts note that companies importing goods subject to elevated tariff regimes — including those stemming from Section 301 (China tariffs) and Section 232 (steel and aluminum) measures — face heightened audit risk. Freight forwarders and customs brokers are advised to conduct thorough due diligence on the classification and valuation of goods they handle on behalf of clients, as third-party facilitators can also face penalties under certain circumstances. As trade enforcement continues to evolve alongside shifting U.S. tariff policy, maritime and logistics professionals should ensure robust internal compliance programs are in place to mitigate exposure to duty evasion allegations. *Source: FreightWaves*