Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act

This bill expands where U.S. customs laws can be enforced at sea. It changes the definition of “customs waters” so that, instead of stopping at 12 nautical miles from the U.S. coast, they reach out to 24 nautical miles, matching earlier presidential proclamations about the territorial sea and the contiguous zone. In short, it gives customs officers more room offshore to act against illegal imports and smuggling.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Ships operating near U.S. shores, especially those moving goods; U.S. customs and related enforcement agencies.
• What changes: “Customs waters” are redefined to include the U.S. territorial sea and the contiguous zone, extending enforcement reach from 12 to 24 nautical miles.
• When: The change takes effect the day after the bill becomes law.

This likely means more inspections and enforcement farther from shore, aiming to stop illegal goods before they reach U.S. ports.