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Changes how federal law defines “customs waters.” It says the measurement starts from U.S. baselines under international law and explicitly includes the territorial sea and the contiguous zone up to the limits in Presidential Proclamations 5928 (1988) and 7219 (1999). The change takes effect the day after the law is enacted.
Amends the definition of “customs waters” in the Tariff Act of 1930 to mean waters measured from the baselines of the United States, determined in accordance with international law, and to include (A) the territorial sea to the limits permitted by international law in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 5928 of December 27, 1988; and (B) the contiguous zone to the limits permitted by international law in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 7219 of September 2, 1999.
Amends the definition of “customs waters” in the Anti‑Smuggling Act to mean waters measured from the baselines of the United States, determined in accordance with international law, and to include (A) the territorial sea to the limits permitted by international law in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 5928 of December 27, 1988; and (B) the contiguous zone to the limits permitted by international law in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 7219 of September 2, 1999.
Specifies when the amendments take effect: the day after the date of enactment of this Act.
Primary effects are legal and administrative. Federal enforcement and regulatory agencies—especially Customs and Border Protection and other agencies enforcing statutes that reference "customs waters"—will apply the clarified baseline and zone measurements when determining where statutory authorities and obligations apply. Vessel operators, ship owners, maritime carriers, and port authorities could see clearer rules about where customs jurisdiction and related inspections or requirements begin or end; this may affect compliance planning and operational procedures. Coastal shoreline communities and local governments may see limited downstream effects where customs-related activities (inspections, enforcement, or jurisdictional disputes) intersect with local ports, harbors, or maritime traffic. The change references existing Presidential proclamations and international-law baselines, so it mainly resolves statutory language to match established maritime boundary practices rather than creating new rights, obligations, or funding. Overall, impacts are procedural and interpretive rather than financial; agencies may update guidance and enforcement manuals to reflect the clarified definition.
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Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Introduced February 12, 2025 by Maria Elvira Salazar · Last progress February 12, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Introduced in House