New Legislation Would Save Companies Money on Small Entries

(World Trade Interactive)

Rep. Bill Owens introduced May 26 the Customs De Minimis Adjustment Act of 2010 (H.R. 5375), which would increase from $200 to $1,000 the value of goods that can be brought into the U.S. duty-free and without customs entry procedures. Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., is leading a coalition working to secure congressional approval of the House bill and a similar measure already introduced in the Senate.

A press release from Owens’ office states that this increase in the so-called de minimis level, the first in 17 years, would encourage domestic economic development as well as more trade by small and medium-sized business owners. “With the increasing use of Internet shopping, a higher de minimis level will facilitate the development of small online retailers and allow more people to benefit from the efficiencies of modern commerce,” explained Michael Mullen, executive director of the Express Association of America. Airforwarders Association Executive Director Brandon Fried said the bill will also have a positive impact on homeland security by expediting the clearance and processing of low-value shipments and thus allowing U.S. Customs and Border Protection to focus more of its efforts on risk-based security targets.