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.

The enforcement action has driven compliance across the industry, generating approximately $1.3 million in additional trade duties, while uncovering millions more in estimated lost revenue and penalties.

"Our Miami and Tampa Field Office teams are 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.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 70,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration and trust.

• Topics
• Border Security
• Office of Field Operations
• Trade Enforcement