Securing Accountability in Foreign Entries Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 7812
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7812Foreign Trade and International Finance
Securing Accountability in Foreign Entries Act
INTRO MAR 5· LAST ACTION MAR 5
READING
11MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it aims to increase accountability for goods entering the U.S. Currently, some foreign companies might use individuals or entities with minimal connection to the U.S. as their importer of record, making it harder for U.S. authorities to pursue them for unpaid duties, illegal imports, or other violations. By requiring a stronger U.S. presence and direct payment methods, the bill seeks to close these loopholes and ensure that those responsible for imports can be held more easily accountable.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to a more secure and transparent import process, potentially reducing the flow of illicit goods and improving the collection of taxes and duties. However, it might also create new hurdles for smaller foreign businesses or those without extensive U.S. operations, potentially impacting competition and the diversity of imported products available to consumers. If it doesn't become law, the current system with its existing challenges regarding accountability and enforcement for importers would continue.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Requires individual importers of record to be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
This aims to ensure that the individual legally responsible for imports has a clear legal tie to the United States.
PROVISION 02
Requires entity importers of record to have a physical U.S. location with a U.S. citizen/resident owner or employee, or meet other specific criteria.
This ensures that foreign companies importing goods have a tangible and legally accountable presence within the U.S., making enforcement easier.
PROVISION 03
Mandates direct electronic payment of all duties, taxes, and fees from a U.S.-chartered bank account held in the importer's legal name.
This centralizes financial accountability and provides a direct paper trail for all import-related payments.
PROVISION 04
Limits individuals from serving as an importer of record for more than one entity, with an exception for customs brokers working for express carriers.
This provision aims to prevent a single individual from being a 'straw man' importer for multiple, potentially unrelated, foreign entities.
PROVISION 05
Requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to establish regulations for verifying these requirements and imposing penalties for false statements.
This ensures that the new rules are effectively implemented and provides a mechanism for enforcement against non-compliance.
This bill matters because it aims to increase accountability for goods entering the U.S. Currently, some foreign companies might use individuals or entities with minimal connection to the U.S. as their importer of record, making it harder for U.S. authorities to pursue them for unpaid duties, illegal imports, or other violations. By requiring a stronger U.S. presence and direct payment methods, the bill seeks to close these loopholes and ensure that those responsible for imports can be held more easily accountable.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to a more secure and transparent import process, potentially reducing the flow of illicit goods and improving the collection of taxes and duties. However, it might also create new hurdles for smaller foreign businesses or those without extensive U.S. operations, potentially impacting competition and the diversity of imported products available to consumers. If it doesn't become law, the current system with its existing challenges regarding accountability and enforcement for importers would continue.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires individual importers of record to be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
This aims to ensure that the individual legally responsible for imports has a clear legal tie to the United States.
high
Requires entity importers of record to have a physical U.S. location with a U.S. citizen/resident owner or employee, or meet other specific criteria.
This ensures that foreign companies importing goods have a tangible and legally accountable presence within the U.S., making enforcement easier.
med
Mandates direct electronic payment of all duties, taxes, and fees from a U.S.-chartered bank account held in the importer's legal name.
This centralizes financial accountability and provides a direct paper trail for all import-related payments.
med
Limits individuals from serving as an importer of record for more than one entity, with an exception for customs brokers working for express carriers.
This provision aims to prevent a single individual from being a 'straw man' importer for multiple, potentially unrelated, foreign entities.
med
Requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to establish regulations for verifying these requirements and imposing penalties for false statements.
This ensures that the new rules are effectively implemented and provides a mechanism for enforcement against non-compliance.
Within 360 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in consultation with other federal agencies, must prescribe regulations for verifying importer requirements and specifying penalties.
One year after the date of enactment of this Act.
The new requirements for importers of record apply.
To be determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection through regulations.
Importers of record who make omissions or false statements regarding meeting the new requirements.
GLOSSARY
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Importer of record
The party, either an individual or a company, responsible for all customs entry documentation and payment of duties, taxes, and fees when goods are brought into the United States.
Tariff Act of 1930
A foundational U.S. law that regulates customs duties, trade, and imports into the United States, including rules for how goods are brought into the country.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The federal agency responsible for securing U.S. borders and facilitating legitimate trade and travel, including collecting import duties and enforcing trade laws.
Lawfully admitted for permanent residence
Refers to an immigrant who has been granted the legal right to live permanently in the United States; commonly known as a 'green card' holder.
Affiliate
A company or entity that is controlled by, controls, or is under common control with another company. Control generally means owning more than 50% of the voting interests.
Covered country
A country determined by the U.S. government to have import requirements for importers of record that are similar to U.S. requirements and allows U.S. importers to operate there on equal terms.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
MAR 5
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
MAR 5
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
A genuine business address with substantive operations and employees, not just a shared office space (unless permanently occupied), a mailbox, or an address for a registered agent.
