Import Security and Fairness Act

This bill changes how small, low-value packages enter the U.S. Under current rules, many packages worth $800 or less can come in without paying duty or tax. The bill would block that duty‑free treatment for packages coming from a country that is both a “nonmarket economy” and on the “priority watch list,” meaning those shipments would no longer qualify for the $800 no‑duty rule.

It also requires more information on these small shipments so Customs can check if they qualify. The rules would make shippers and importers submit basic details like what the item is, its product code, where it was made, where it was shipped from, who shipped it, who is importing it, and its value; Customs could also ask for platform‑related info for items sold through online marketplaces. The information must be truthful to the best of the sender’s knowledge, and breaking the rules can bring civil fines of $5,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for later ones. Customs can use the information for any lawful purpose .

If Customs detains a package, it must notify all known interested parties. Those parties can choose to abandon the goods. If no one responds within 30 days, Customs can deny entry and require export at the importer’s expense, or treat the goods as abandoned and dispose of them under the law. These changes would apply starting 180 days after the bill becomes law.

Key points

• Who is affected: Importers, shippers, and online marketplaces handling low‑value packages.
• What changes: Some country shipments lose $800 duty‑free entry; more shipment data must be sent to Customs; penalties for bad or missing info; clear rules if detained packages go unclaimed .
• When: Takes effect 180 days after it becomes law.