Enforcement of cross-border cargo regulations has significantly increased during the Trump administration, causing delays and financial burdens, which are seen as discouraging factors for trade, according to industry experts.
As the U.S. implements higher tariffs along its northern border, insiders in the transportation sector note a surge in freight inspections and penalties, reflecting a more protectionist stance on customs procedures. Breanna Leininger, overseeing U.S. operations at Pacific Customs Brokers in Vancouver, described this shift as substantial.
Leininger highlighted a tenfold rise in border officials’ requests for documentation on shipped goods compared to previous years. She noted a significant increase in instances where customs delves deeper into product entries, a shift that has become more frequent, from occasional occurrences in the past to multiple instances daily.
To demonstrate compliance with product classifications and trade agreements, importers are now required to provide extensive paperwork, including labor and manufacturing records, with the level of evidence and tariffed items seemingly evolving on a monthly basis.
Supporting this narrative of stricter enforcement are statistics provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, indicating a projected 26% increase in audits this year compared to 2024. In the first half of the current year, customs authorities collected $70.6 million in trade penalties, marking a substantial 169% surge from the previous year’s total and a 53% increase from the entirety of 2025.
This heightened enforcement coincides with an escalating trade conflict between Canada and the U.S., characterized by reciprocal tariff impositions in recent weeks. The resulting border delays and extended time needed for sourcing product records contribute to increased costs and, in some cases, discourage cross-border trade activities.
Alan Dewar, the executive vice president at GHY, a Winnipeg-based customs brokerage, emphasized the significant financial strain caused by these disruptions. He mentioned additional warehouse costs, driver delays, spoilage risks, and service charges as some of the expenses incurred due to the prolonged customs processes.
Leininger added that while many businesses have managed to navigate these challenges, some have found the situation too daunting and have opted to discontinue cross-border operations. U.S. Customs and Border Protection emphasized the importance of importers providing accurate and thorough information, highlighting their responsibility in complying with customs regulations and ensuring trade transparency.