USMCA Claims Are Under the Microscope—Be Ready to Prove Your Origin

Importers using the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA, known as CUSMA in Canada) to mitigate IEPA tariffs are facing intensified customs scrutiny and revenue-protection reviews. With NAFTA replaced by USMCA, duty-free treatment remains a powerful tool—but when the government doesn’t see revenue, it asks why. We’re seeing a return to revenue-focused enforcement, and that means more questions about your USMCA eligibility, rules of origin, and country of origin.It’s no longer enough to accept a supplier’s certificate. Expect CF-28 inquiries and CF-29 decisions challenging substantial transformation and whether enough qualifying work occurred in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. Auditors want robust validation: bills of material, purchase orders, proof of payment, detailed manufacturing process documentation—and even photos of production. If responses aren’t compelling, companies are being charged duties with interest and penalties.At Vigilant Global Trade Services, we help you stay ahead of customs audits. Our core services include entry audits and comprehensive reviews of tariff classification, country of origin, and free trade agreement claims to ensure your documentation stands up to USMCA scrutiny. When additional expertise is needed, we work with trusted partners to support your program. Watch to learn what’s changing and how to protect your USMCA benefits, then visit our website to connect with our team and strengthen your compliance posture.