JOC Staff | Mar 08, 2013 4:49PM EST
A bill that seeks to raise the de minimis value, the level at which shipments entering the U.S. are free from tariffs, taxes or formal customs procedures, has been introduced in Congress.
Sens. John Thune, R-S.D., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., have introduced the bill, S. 489, in the Senate, and Rep. Schock, R-Ill., has introduced the bill, H.R. 1020, in the House.
The bill would amend the Tariff Act of 1930 by increasing and adjusting for inflation the maximum value of articles that may be imported duty-free by one person on one day. Specifically, the congressmen are suggesting the de minimis level be increased from the current $200 to $800.
The Express Association of America, which represents DHL, FedEx, TNT and UPS, has applauded the bill.
A higher de minimis level will particularly benefit small and medium-sized U.S. enterprises, as well as individual consumers, who import more low-value items, said Mike Mullen, executive director of the Express Association of America, in a written statement. Furthermore, a higher de minimis level will benefit the government as Customs officers will be able to focus enforcement efforts on higher risks, such as product safety and protecting intellectual property, Mullen added.
