Bills · HR 1840
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1840Foreign Trade and International Finance
Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act
INTRO MAR 4· LAST ACTION MAR 4
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because the current "de minimis" rule allows millions of packages to enter the U.S. daily without duties, making it easy and often cheaper for consumers to buy goods directly from overseas retailers. However, it also raises concerns about unfair competition for domestic businesses, potential for illicit goods entering the country, and lost tariff revenue for the government.
If this bill becomes law, many online purchases from international sellers will likely become more expensive due to new duties and taxes, and could take longer to arrive due to increased customs checks. This could help level the playing field for U.S. businesses by removing the tariff exemption that many foreign competitors currently benefit from on low-value goods. It could also lead to increased revenue for the U.S. government from tariffs. If the bill does not pass, the current system allowing duty-free, minimal-scrutiny entry for low-value packages will continue.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Eliminates the 'de minimis' rule under the Tariff Act of 1930, meaning low-value imported goods will no longer automatically be exempt from duties and extensive customs processing.
This will significantly change how individuals and businesses import small-value items, potentially increasing costs and processing requirements.
PROVISION 02
Applies the new rules immediately to articles originating in China.
This provision specifically targets goods from China for immediate changes, reflecting concerns about trade practices and volume from that country.
PROVISION 03
Applies the new rules to articles from all other countries 120 days after the bill becomes law.
This provides a transition period for importers and customs for non-Chinese goods, allowing time to adapt to the new requirements.
PROVISION 04
Requires the Treasury Department to establish new rules within 120 days to implement the termination of de minimis privileges, including detailed data requirements (like 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes) and sufficient penalties for unlawful or fraudulent activity.
These new rules will dictate the specific procedures and data needed for importing low-value goods and aim to enhance enforcement and deter fraud.
PROVISION 05
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Postmaster General, to determine fees and procedures for international postal shipments to ensure consistency with other methods of import.
This ensures that packages sent through the postal service are subject to similar scrutiny and costs as those sent through private carriers, closing a potential gap.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
D· California
YRS IN OFFICE
23
BILLS LED
21
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 2 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 4
Introduced in House
MAR 4
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1840
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 4, 2025
Last actionMar 4, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 4, 2025
House BillHR 1840Foreign Trade and International Finance
Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act
INTRODUCED MAR 4, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 4, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
