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Inserts a new subsection (t) (Simplification of drawback procedures) establishing accelerated estimated payments during liquidation, thresholds for reconciliation and refunds, elimination of prior notice requirement for exports for qualifying claimants, claimant submission and bonding requirements, and allowance for electronic amendments/perfections; and adds paragraph (5) to subsection (b) stating advance approval of substitution drawback claims is not required before filing.
Adds a new subsection (d) requiring the Secretary of Commerce to prescribe regulations to account for advance documentation or information made available with respect to cargo before exportation or transportation, to consider varying business models and adjust submission timelines, and to coordinate with the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to avoid redundant reporting (including with respect to 19 U.S.C. 1431).
Modifies the text of paragraph (1) of subsection (b) and adds a new paragraph (2) clarifying that clerical errors or mistakes of fact are not violations unless part of a pattern of violative conduct, and that nonintentional repetition by an electronic system of an initial clerical error does not constitute a pattern.
Amends subsection (a) by adjusting punctuation in paragraphs (8) and (9) and adding new paragraphs (10) and (11) directing Centers of Excellence and Expertise to develop procedures, informed compliance publications, or other guidance regarding entry of merchandise in compliance with the law, and to provide guidance to importers on post-entry and clearance procedures for merchandise affected by admissibility issues, including alleged violations of 19 U.S.C. 1307.
Creates a Border Interagency Executive Council and requires a single, uniform, scalable automated system (building on or enhancing the Automated Commercial Environment) to process and release cargo, with timelines for assessment and implementation and funding beginning in FY2026. It also speeds and simplifies customs and export procedures (including faster drawback payments, relaxed advance notice/approval rules for qualified filers, and mandatory electronic filing), and tightens rules on CBP data collection, stakeholder consultation, transparency, and response times, with required reports to Congress and GAO reviews.
Establishes the Border Interagency Executive Council (the Council) as an interagency working group to develop policies and processes that improve coordination across customs, transport security, health and safety, sanitary, conservation, trade, and phytosanitary agencies with border management authorities to improve supply chain processes and identify illicit shipments and to facilitate legitimate trade.
Assigns oversight of the Council to the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Makes the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (or a senior-level designee) the chairperson of the Council.
Requires a vice chairperson for the Council to be selected every 2 years from among Council members by a process the members determine.
Specifies Council membership: designated senior-level representatives (full-time or permanent part-time Federal employees) from agencies that approve or regulate imports/exports, listing Department of State; Treasury; Defense; Interior; Agriculture; Commerce; Health and Human Services; Transportation; Homeland Security; Environmental Protection Agency; and other agencies the chairperson and vice chairperson consider appropriate.
Who is affected and how:
Importers, exporters, customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and other trade service providers: Most directly affected. They will need to adapt to a unified automated cargo-processing system, switch to required electronic filings, and follow updated data-reporting rules. Over the long run these changes aim to reduce clearance times and compliance friction, but near-term costs may include IT changes, process updates, and training.
Federal agencies (CBP and other trade-regulating agencies): Required to coordinate through the new council, contribute to the unified system, update procedures and public materials, and meet reporting and timeline obligations. Agencies will incur planning, development, and operational responsibilities tied to the authorized funding.
U.S. businesses that import or export goods: Expected benefit from faster release of shipments and simplified procedures, which can lower logistical delays and carrying costs; some businesses will face implementation costs to connect to the new system or change filing practices.
Trade community stakeholders and trade compliance professionals: Will gain clearer guidance, more consultation opportunities, and improved CBP communication channels; may also face new data-submission processes and stricter electronic-filing requirements.
Consumers and supply chains: Indirectly affected. Faster customs clearance and smoother trade processes can reduce delays and costs in supply chains, potentially improving availability and lowering consumer-facing costs over time.
Oversight entities (GAO/Comptroller General/Congress): Will receive additional reports and reviews to monitor CBP fees, rulings, and response times, increasing transparency and enabling future policy adjustments.
Potential burdens and benefits:
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Introduced March 11, 2025 by Bill Cassidy · Last progress March 11, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Introduced in Senate