This bill aims to level the playing field between foreign e-commerce shipments and domestically-based foreign trade zones by modifying customs procedures and tariff rules. Currently, small international e-commerce packages receive favorable treatment under customs regulations, creating an incentive for foreign merchants to ship directly to U.S. consumers rather than use American foreign trade zones. The legislation amends the Tariff Act of 1930 and the Foreign Trade Zones Act to eliminate this advantage by applying the same customs entry requirements and tariff valuations to goods withdrawn from foreign trade zones as would apply to direct e-commerce imports. The Treasury Department, working with Homeland Security and Commerce, must issue proposed regulations within 120 days of enactment, allow 60 days for public comment, and submit regulations to Congress before they can take effect. This change is intended to help American companies and foreign trade zones compete more fairly in the growing e-commerce market.
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