Restricting Duty-Free Import Exemptions for Goods from Nonmarket Economies.
This Act tightens rules for duty and tax exemptions on low-value shipments (de minimis), specifically excluding goods originating from nonmarket economy countries or those on the priority watch list. This change means certain inexpensive imported products from these countries will now be subject to duties, potentially increasing their final cost to consumers. Furthermore, it introduces new documentation requirements for importers, enhancing customs scrutiny over low-value shipments.
Key points
Elimination of duty-free exemptions (de minimis) for goods valued up to $800 if they originate from countries designated as nonmarket economies or subject to special trade surveillance.
Introduction of new mandatory documentation requirements for all low-value shipments, including information on country of origin, transaction value, and identity of the shipper/importer.
Civil penalties (starting at $5,000) can be imposed for submitting false or incorrect information in customs documentation.
Customs authorities can detain merchandise; if interested parties fail to respond within 30 days, the goods may be deemed abandoned or exported at the importer's expense.
Introduced
Citizen Poll