Enforcement of cross-border cargo regulations has significantly increased during the Trump administration, causing delays and financial burdens for shippers, according to industry experts. As trade tensions rise between the U.S. and Canada, customs procedures have become stricter, leading to heightened freight screening and penalties.
Breanna Leininger, overseeing U.S. operations at Pacific Customs Brokers in Vancouver, highlighted a substantial shift in customs scrutiny. The volume of documentation required for shipped goods has multiplied tenfold compared to previous years, with customs increasingly delving deeper into product classifications and trade agreements.
This trend is supported by data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, indicating a 26% rise in audits in 2026 compared to 2024. The agency has also reported a significant increase in trade penalties collected, with a 169% surge in the first half of 2026 compared to the entire previous year.
The escalating enforcement measures coincide with a trade war between Canada and the U.S., marked by reciprocal tariff increases. These regulatory hurdles not only escalate costs but also disrupt supply chains, leading to additional expenses and logistical challenges for businesses involved in cross-border commerce.
Alan Dewar, the executive vice president at GHY, a Winnipeg-based customs brokerage, emphasized the financial strain imposed by prolonged border checks and documentation requirements. He cited increased warehouse costs, driver delays, and service charges as some of the negative impacts on businesses.
Despite efforts by importers to comply with evolving regulations, the ever-changing demands of customs procedures pose significant challenges. Some businesses find the process overwhelming, leading to potential disruptions in trade flows. U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that it adjusts its enforcement strategies based on risk and trade patterns, emphasizing the importance of importers providing accurate and complete information.
Overall, the heightened enforcement measures at the border reflect a broader trend towards protectionism and stricter customs controls, impacting businesses on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border.