The purpose of the Fighting Trade Cheats Act of 2026 is to strengthen the enforcement of U.S. customs laws and increase penalties for customs fraud. This legislation aims to deter fraudulent activities related to importing goods into the United States, ensuring fair trade practices and protecting domestic industries. Key provisions of the Act include significant increases in civil penalties for those found guilty of customs fraud or gross negligence. For fraudulent violations, penalties can be up to three times the domestic value of the merchandise involved.