Task Force Establishment Background
The US Department of Justice announced on August 29 the launch of an interagency trade fraud task force aimed at strengthening enforcement against unfair tariff evasion and smuggling of prohibited import goods. This initiative is part of the Trump administration's efforts to prevent circumvention imports aimed at tariff evasion and strengthen law enforcement capabilities regarding tariff collection.
Coordination with America First Trade Policy
The Department of Justice noted that advancing the "America First Trade Policy (AFTP)" announced by President Donald Trump on January 20 requires ensuring business compliance with trade laws. It emphasized the need to ensure proper payment of all tariffs, including anti-dumping duties (AD), countervailing duties (CVD), and additional tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, aimed at "leveling the playing field" for US manufacturers.
Enhanced Enforcement Structure
Cooperating Agencies: Establishing cooperative framework with law enforcement agencies including Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Enforcement Targets: Strict crackdown on businesses that unfairly avoid paying tariffs in violation of laws.
Reporting System: Welcomes reports from domestic businesses regarding unfair trade practices and trade fraud. Can be submitted to the Department of Justice's whistleblower program ([email protected]) using dedicated formats.
Comprehensive Circumvention Import Countermeasures
The Trump administration focuses on circumvention import countermeasures in addition to imposing additional tariffs. From August 7, resumed mutual tariffs stipulate that when CBP determines circumvention imports, they impose 40% additional tariffs plus fines. Individual agreements with various countries also specify negotiations for new rules of origin with circumvention import prevention in mind.
Congressional Movements
Bills with identical content to establish task forces within the Department of Justice focusing on trade-related law violations were introduced in July 2024 and March 2025. The July 2024 bill expired with the end of the 118th Congress, while the March 2025 bill continues under review as of September. This demonstrates Congress's continued interest in strengthening tariff enforcement.