E-commerce Shipping Parity: Leveling the Field for US Foreign Trade Zones.
This Act aims to equalize customs rules for low-value e-commerce shipments (under the $800 duty-free limit) handled by US Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) compared to those shipped directly from abroad. By granting FTZs the same simplified entry procedures, the law seeks to reduce the incentive for foreign companies to bypass US logistics infrastructure. For consumers, this supports domestic fulfillment operations and may streamline the delivery of inexpensive online purchases.
Key points
Allows US Foreign Trade Zones to utilize the $800 duty-free threshold (de minimis rule) for low-value e-commerce shipments withdrawn for consumption.
Removes regulatory barriers that previously discouraged US logistics centers from handling high volumes of small, duty-free online orders.
Requires the Treasury Department to establish new valuation methods for these goods to ensure fair calculation of duties when applicable.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_8059
Sponsor: Rep. Wenstrup, Brad R. [R-OH-2]
Process start date: 2024-04-17