CBP Trade Enforcement Action protects millions in U.S. revenue following tuna country-of-origin investigation

MIAMI — U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Agriculture and Prepared Products Center of Excellence and Expertise (APP) in Miami has successfully cracked down on a complex trade scheme involving imported tuna, protecting millions of dollars in U.S. revenue.

The investigation began with questions about the true country of origin for imported tuna. Investigators discovered that tuna harvested in the Pacific by foreign-flagged vessels was being briefly brought ashore in another country for minimal processing—such as cleaning and packing—before entering the United States. Importers were using this stopover to claim the fish came from that country, allowing them to dodge appropriate duties and tariffs.

Working alongside partner agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, CBP determined that basic cleaning and packaging did not change the tuna's true origin. Under federal trade laws, the origin of the fish follows the flag of the vessel that actually caught it. When importers challenged this stance, CBP headquarters backed the Miami center’s findings.

Importers have begun filing entries correctly, generating approximately $1.3 million in additional trade remedies across 789 entry summaries. CBP also identified approximately $8.5 million in estimated lost revenue and is processing five prior disclosures and 10 penalties, representing approximately $8.9 million in expected penalty amounts..

"Our APP Center is dedicated to following the facts and making sure U.S. trade laws are applied correctly," said Daniel Alonso, director of field operations for the Miami and Tampa Field Office. "This enforcement action highlights our persistence in protecting U.S. revenue and ensuring a level playing field for honest businesses."

CBP continues to monitor tuna imports to prevent trade fraud and illegal transshipment. The public can help protect the integrity of U.S. trade by reporting suspected violations through the e-Allegation portal at CBP.gov or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT.

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