On 3 June 2026, President Trump issued Executive Order 14411, “Strengthening Customs Enforcement”(external link), which will impose changes to US customs regulations and policy for goods entering the US. Federal agencies have been directed to develop new rules and practices, with the first policies due to be implemented within 90 days, i.e. by the start of September. We will keep you updated on how these policies progress and any implementation dates. Key changes envisioned by the administration include:

Foreign based importers of record (IOR) will face stricter scrutiny and limits on their use of customs bonds and informal entry; 
Foreign IORs will be required to submit more documentation at registration, including anticipated import volumes, ownership disclosures, business affiliations, and domestic asset disclosures; and 
There will also be a ‘good standing’ requirement for importers and increased penalties for non-compliance with US rules; alongside financial penalties, those that lose good standing status will be banned from importing into the US. 
US Customs and Border Protection has also released further guidance on their enforcement of the US ban on forced labour in imports in “Forced Labor Enforcement Operational Guidance for Importers”(external link). This document provides additional information for importers on compliance requirements to ensure that goods brought into the US are not produced, wholly or in part, with “prohibited convict labor, forced labor or indentured labor”. 

It is strongly recommended that exporters maintain an up-to-date understanding of regulatory changes affecting exports to the US, ensure documentation is current, and comply with US Customs and Border Protection requirements by working closely with logistics partners, freight forwarders, and brokers to ensure accurate classification (HS codes), origin, and documentation across all shipments.

Source: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/