Tariff fraud enforcement targets importers over alleged duty evasion
Key takeaways
- Tariff fraud enforcement targets importers over alleged duty evasion Federal agencies are using bankruptcy courts, False Claims Act cases and EAPA probes to pursue alleged tariff evasion.
- The cases show how tariff enforcement is increasingly moving through multiple channels: False Claims Act lawsuits, whistleblower complaints, bankruptcy claims, settlements and U.S.
- The largest recent case involves First Brands Group, the bankrupt auto-parts supplier, which is facing a $285.5 million claim from the U.S. government in its Chapter 11 case.
Tariff fraud enforcement targets importers over alleged duty evasion Federal agencies are using bankruptcy courts, False Claims Act cases and EAPA probes to pursue alleged tariff evasion. (Photo: Jim Allen/Freight Waves) Noi Mahoney Thu, June 4, 2026 at 11:05 PM GMT+7 5 min read ALI=F The federal government is widening its crackdown on tariff evasion and customs fraud, with recent actions targeting auto parts, aluminum, steel and rail components as importers face heightened scrutiny over country-of-origin claims, product classifications and declared customs values.
The cases show how tariff enforcement is increasingly moving through multiple channels: False Claims Act lawsuits, whistleblower complaints, bankruptcy claims, settlements and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) investigations under the Enforce and Protect Act.
The largest recent case involves First Brands Group, the bankrupt auto-parts supplier, which is facing a $285.5 million claim from the U.S. government in its Chapter 11 case. The government alleges First Brands undervalued goods imported from China to avoid paying higher duties.