U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is preparing a broad overhaul of the way trade data is collected and monitored, with proposed changes that could have significant operational consequences for ocean carriers, non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) and other participants across international supply chains.
The agency published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on Tuesday, September 2, titled “Heightened Import Disclosures for Supply Chain Visibility.” The initiative supports an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump in June directing the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen customs oversight and address vulnerabilities that could allow bad actors to exploit outdated reporting requirements.
CBP said the objective is to improve its ability to identify and stop illicit imports, particularly goods that are illegally transshipped to avoid compliance with U.S. customs and trade laws.
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said greater visibility into the supply chains behind U.S. imports would allow the agency to identify high-risk shipments more effectively, disrupt illicit trade and protect American businesses from competitors that attempt to circumvent customs regulations.
CBP seeks industry feedback
The ANPRM contains 64 questions covering a series of proposals intended to strengthen supply chain visibility. CBP is seeking input from ocean carriers, importers, customs brokers and freight forwarders.
Feedback received through the process could eventually be used to prepare a formal Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. That subsequent rulemaking could establish regulations implementing the proposals outlined by CBP, as well as other measures suggested by industry participants during the consultation process.
Among the main areas on which CBP is requesting feedback are several measures that would expand the amount and type of information available to customs authorities.
One proposal focuses on party identification and business identifiers. CBP is considering standardising and improving business identification data to provide better visibility of raw material suppliers, foreign manufacturers and intermediate logistics nodes within international supply chains.
The agency is also examining potential requirements concerning foreign export documentation. Trade participants could be required to collect, retain or submit documentation relating to foreign exports as part of the U.S. import record.
Another proposal would make greater use of tracing technologies, including digital tracking and data-interoperability systems, to follow goods throughout their journey from origin to final destination.
Potential consequences for ocean shipping
For container shipping lines and NVOCCs, the proposed changes could translate into significant operational adjustments.
A revised customs data framework could require carriers and other participants to provide documentation earlier in the supply chain, potentially pushing back existing documentation deadlines at foreign loading ports.
That change could place additional pressure on shippers and carriers to ensure that supply chain information is complete and accurate before cargo is loaded.
Enhanced automated screening could also have consequences once shipments reach the United States. Cargo lacking complete supply chain information could face increased holds, targeted inspections or detention at U.S. marine terminals.
For cargo owners and carriers, such delays could increase exposure to demurrage risks, particularly when containers remain at terminals while customs authorities seek additional information or conduct inspections.
CBP Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane Sabatino nevertheless stressed that the purpose of modernising trade data collection is to improve enforcement and targeting capabilities.
She said the changes would strengthen CBP’s ability to identify high-risk shipments and intercept illicit goods, including counterfeit products and dangerous substances, before they enter the United States.
