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Customs Facilitation Act of 2025
4/2/2025, 2:53 AM
Summary of Bill S 956
One key aspect of the bill is the establishment of a single window system for submitting import and export documentation, which will simplify the process for businesses and reduce the time and costs associated with customs clearance. Additionally, the bill includes measures to enhance the use of technology in trade enforcement, such as the implementation of electronic filing systems and the use of data analytics to identify potential violations.
The bill also includes provisions to strengthen trade enforcement measures, such as increasing penalties for intellectual property rights violations and enhancing the ability of customs officials to detect and prevent illegal trade activities. Furthermore, the bill aims to improve coordination between government agencies involved in trade enforcement, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Commerce. Overall, Bill 119 s 956 seeks to modernize and streamline the process of importing and exporting goods in the United States, while also enhancing trade enforcement measures to protect American businesses and consumers.
Congressional Summary of S 956
Customs Facilitation Act of 2025
This bill revises procedures for customs and trade enforcement and establishes related data and reporting requirements.
Specifically, the bill provides statutory authority for the Border Interagency Executive Council to enhance coordination with border management authorities.
The Department of Homeland Security must (1) ensure that a uniform automated platform provides a system to process and release cargo being imported into and exported from the United States, and (2) provide for the continuous modernization of the Automated Commercial Environment (the system through which the trade community reports imports and exports and the government determines admissibility).
The bill allows for an accelerated payment of duty drawbacks (i.e., refunds on duties for imported items that are reexported or destroyed) for claims in which the claimant has submitted required documentation and obtained a properly executed bond.
The Department of Commerce must issue regulations allowing for the submission of export manifest data prior to departure. Clerical errors in the submission of export data shall generally be exempt from penalties.
The bill establishes requirements for specified agencies to follow when issuing regulations related to data collection for trade enforcement and facilitation.
The Government Accountability Office must submit certain reports, including on the fee schedule of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Additionally, among other actions, CBP must (1) notify members of the trade community when it makes changes to the minimum-security criteria for participation in the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program, and (2) review deadlines for CBP responses to requests.
