Recently, as the US-China trade tensions escalate, a growing number of Amazon sellers have reported receiving investigation notices from CBP Officers.
The trigger? Years of shipping large products through Amazon’s AGL (Amazon Global Logistics) channel using undervalued customs declarations.
For many sellers, this was once considered a “normal” industry practice — no big deal.
But today, the bill has come due.
Why is this time different?
- AGL Directly Connects Sellers to Customs
When shipping through AGL, your store information is directly linked to US Customs.
Every undervalued shipment leaves a clear trail under your company’s name — and there’s no hiding now. - Full Historical Audits Are Underway
It’s not just about one shipment.
CBP is demanding detailed documentation for all shipments over several years — invoices, bills of lading, payment proofs, and more.
The back taxes alone could add up to millions of dollars. - Potential Account Freezes and Heavy Penalties
If you can’t afford to pay the additional duties, abandoning your account may seem tempting.
But beware: trying to move inventory to a new store and relabel it could trigger brand linkage detection, leading to account suspensions across multiple stores.
Are third-party freight forwarders safer?
Some sellers think using a third-party freight forwarder protects them.
Yes, technically, the forwarder’s company name appears on the customs declaration, not the seller’s.
However, if the freight forwarder practices severe undervaluation — and they get caught — cargo can be seized, fines issued, and sellers still suffer enormous financial losses.
Cheap shipping often hides expensive risks.
What Cross-Border Sellers Must Do Now:
- Work only with compliant freight forwarders — ask them about their declaration practices!
- Declare your shipment value accurately.
- Set aside budget for proper compliance costs.
- Maintain organized shipping and customs records in case of future audits.
Conclusion
The game has changed.
Undervaluing shipments to “save costs” is no longer a harmless shortcut — it’s a financial time bomb.
In today’s world of trade wars and rising tariffs, compliance is no longer optional — it’s essential.
Cross-border success isn’t about who moves faster anymore.
It’s about who survives longer.
Operate smart, stay compliant — and thrive. ⚡