Understanding the Trade Violations Reporting (TVR) Tool: A Guide for Importers and Exporters

Our firm works with companies in highly regulated industries on compliance strategies, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) communications, and responses to enforcement actions. We can help you understand your reporting obligations, prepare thorough submissions, and protect your business from potential legal and financial risks. Schedule an intake meeting with our office, we would be happy to speak with you.

The Trade Violations Reporting (TVR) Tool is a resource for both importers and exporters seeking to maintain compliance with CBP regulations. The TVR Tool offers multiple reporting portals, each aimed at different types of violations.

As of June 2025, forced labor allegations are no longer handled through the TVR or e-Allegations portals. These reports must now be submitted through CBP’s new Forced Labor Allegations Portal, which is designed to improve case tracking and enforcement. This change reflects CBP’s growing focus on forced labor in supply chains. Click here to read our article on the new Forced Labor Allegations Portal and what it means for importers.

The TVR Tool continues to allow users to report other violations, including criminal activities related to trade, improper import valuations or misclassifications, intellectual property rights infringements such as counterfeit goods, and other customs law violations such as quota evasion or smuggling. Knowing which portal to use is essential when submitting a report so the allegation is directed to the correct CBP enforcement team.

When submitting through the TVR Tool, users must provide detailed information and evidence to support the claim. This includes a clear description of the suspected violation, the identities of parties involved, transaction or shipment details such as dates, ports of entry, and quantities, as well as supporting documentation such as invoices, photographs, or shipping records. Accurate records of transactions are critical for importers and exporters, as they may serve as evidence during an investigation.

If you are an importer or exporter concerned about compliance risks or have already been contacted by CBP, now is the time to review your procedures and make sure you have the right strategies in place. Give our office a call today at (917) 546-6997 or schedule an intake meeting, we would be happy to speak with you.

Ready to Learn More About CBP, OFAC,

BIS, FWS, and FDA?

We have over one hundred videos in our educational library on our YouTube channel related to importing, exporting, U.S. Customs, BIS, OFAC, FWS, FDA, and so much more. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL now to stay up to date on the latest on these topics!

Curious "why should you have an attorney on your side?" CLICK HERE to watch one of our attorneys break down the critical benefits as to why you want to have one on your side—whether you hire us to help you or another law firm.

Our mission is to help you protect and empower your business. We listen carefully to clients to ensure our understanding of the legal issues at hand, their factual context, and any limitations that might impact a chosen strategy. Don't hesitate to call or schedule an intake meeting with us using the link above.