Sponsors (2)
The bill strengthens customs enforcement and protects domestic industries and taxpayers by requiring detailed tariff classifications and limiting de minimis exemptions, but it raises compliance costs, penalty exposure, and the risk of slower delivery or higher prices for small importers and consumers.
U.S. taxpayers and import-competing businesses will get more accurate duty collection because CBP must receive 10-digit HTSUS classifications with imports, improving tariff enforcement and reducing missed duties.
Domestic producers and workers will face less unfair competition because the rule reduces duty-avoidance through split shipments, closing a loophole importers used to circumvent tariffs.
Taxpayers and domestic industries subject to trade remedies will be better protected because items covered by sections 201, 301, or 232 cannot be treated as de minimis and thus remain subject to those duties.
Small importers, online sellers, and some businesses will face higher compliance costs and significant new financial risk because they must provide detailed 10-digit HTSUS codes for de minimis claims and face new civil penalties ($5,000 first, $10,000 subsequent) for violations.
Consumers and small sellers who rely on low-cost imports may lose de minimis benefits for items from certain countries, making some low-priced goods more expensive or harder to obtain.
Increased enforcement and additional data requirements may slow low-value parcel processing and customs clearance, causing longer delivery times for consumers and retail businesses.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Restricts use of the $800 de minimis import exemption when shipments are split to evade duties or when goods are subject to certain tariffs, requires 10-digit HTSUS codes, and adds civil fines.
Amends the U.S. customs de minimis rule to block routine use of the $800 entry exemption when importers split shipments or otherwise try to evade duties and trade restrictions. It excludes from the de minimis exemption goods subject to specific trade remedy or national-security tariffs, requires carriers/importers to submit the 10-digit HTSUS code electronically for exempted shipments, and creates civil fines for violations ($5,000 first, $10,000 subsequent). The changes apply to goods entered or withdrawn for consumption 30 days after enactment.
Introduced January 28, 2025 by Gregory Francis Murphy · Last progress January 28, 2025