On September 13, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced new executive actions aimed at addressing the surge in de minimis shipments and enhancing the protection of American consumers, workers, and businesses. As your trusted partner in customs brokerage and logistics, we want to inform you about these important changes that may impact your import operations.
Key Highlights:
- New Rulemaking to Improve Accountability and Enforcement:
- The proposed rule will strengthen information collection requirements for de minimis shipments (also known as Section 321 low-value shipments under 19 U.S.C. § 1321(a)(2)(C)).
- This will enhance transparency and help U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) protect consumers from unsafe products and prevent unfair competition against U.S. businesses.
- New Rulemaking to Reduce De Minimis Volume and Strengthen Trade Enforcement:
- Shipments containing products subject to U.S. trade enforcement actions will become ineligible for the de minimis exemption.
- This targets high-volume shipments of low-value goods, particularly from Chinese e-commerce platforms, ensuring they no longer enter the U.S. market duty-free.
- Final Rule to Prevent Circumvention of Safety Standards:
- Importers of consumer products will be required to file Certificates of Compliance electronically with CBP and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
- This measure aims to prevent foreign companies from using the de minimis exemption to bypass safety testing and certification requirements.
What This Means for You:
- Enhanced Scrutiny on Low-Value Shipments: There will be increased enforcement on de minimis shipments to ensure compliance with U.S. laws, which may result in additional documentation requirements and inspections.
- Potential Changes in Duty Exemptions: Certain products, especially those subject to trade enforcement actions, may no longer qualify for duty-free entry under the de minimis exemption.
- Compliance with Safety Standards: Importers will need to ensure that all consumer products meet U.S. safety standards and have the necessary certifications filed electronically.
Next Steps:
- Stay Informed: We recommend keeping abreast of these developments as the regulatory processes unfold in the coming weeks and months.
- Review Your Supply Chain: Assess your imported products to determine if any may be affected by these changes, particularly if you utilize the de minimis exemption for low-value shipments.
- Prepare for Additional Documentation: Be ready to provide more detailed information for de minimis shipments, including Certificates of Compliance where applicable.
How Buckland Can Assist:
Our team at Buckland is closely monitoring these changes and is ready to assist you in navigating the new requirements. We can help you:
- Understand how these executive actions may impact your specific import activities.
- Ensure compliance with the new information collection and certification requirements.
- Adjust your logistics strategies to minimize disruptions and delays.
If you have any questions or concerns about how these changes might affect your business, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at clientsupportca@buckland.com.
We are committed to keeping you informed and helping you adapt to the evolving trade landscape.