
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency released the first of two notices of proposed rulemakings that the agency said will strengthen collection requirements for de minimis shipments.
The first rule, the proposed Entry of Low-Value Shipments (ELVS) rule, will create an alternate method of bringing low-cost shipment imports to the U.S. The second is expected to exclude shipments covered by tariffs under Sections 201, 232 or 301 from the de minimis exception. https://www.rvnews.com/exclusive-president-proposes-action-on-import-exemption/
Section 301 tariffs cover about 40% of U.S. imports.
CBP said it averages processing over 4 million de minimis shipments daily. The agency said current regulations require importers to provide minimal information to CBP for the shipments compared with data required for other types of cargo. The first proposed rule is part of a larger effort to prevent bad actors from exploiting this international trade segment, CBP said.
“It will allow CBP to target high-risk shipments more effectively,” the agency said, “including those containing counterfeit goods, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, or the precursors and pill press parts used to make that deadly drug. Additionally, it will revise the current process for entering low-value shipments to require additional data elements that would assist CBP in verifying eligibility for duty- and tax-free entry by creating a fully electronic process for filers to transmit entry data prior to a shipment’s arrival.”
The second proposed rule is expected to be released “in the coming days,” CBP said. The agency said it continues encouraging Congress to enact statutory reform to address the de minimis import surge.
CBP Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Pete R. Flores said, “Every day, the men and women of CBP interdict goods that threaten the health and safety of Americans as well as the economic vitality of our country. We see illicit drugs, dangerous toys, fake medicines and other counterfeit goods shipped direct to American homes impacting the lives of our neighbors, friends, and families. This proposed rule will help to give us some of the tools we need to address more of these threats. There is still more to be done. CBP will continue to innovate within our current authorities, and we urge the private sector to maintain their vigilance. To achieve comprehensive de minimis reform and trade modernization, we urgently need statutory updates.”
Members of the public have 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Individuals wishing to comment on the proposed rule may find the rule at www.regulations.gov.