Bill · S. 1867· Senate(119-S-1867)
Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act
- Introduced
- 5/22/2025
- Last activity
- 5/22/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Sheldon Whitehouse
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act," seeks to phase out de minimis treatment under the Tariff Act of 1930. It amends the Tariff Act to eliminate certain privileges regarding the entry of articles. The changes take effect immediately for articles originating in China, with specific exceptions for goods already in transit. For articles originating in other countries, the changes apply 120 days after the act is enacted. Additionally, the Secretary of the Treasury is tasked with conducting a rulemaking process to implement these changes and ensure effective enforcement.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+3
The bill enhances the collection of duties, fees, and taxes to ensure efficient revenue collection.
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill expands the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury and Customs and Border Protection over import procedures.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+2
Increased data requirements and oversight may help deter fraudulent or unlawful trade activity.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
Businesses that rely on high volumes of low-value imports will face higher costs and administrative burdens.
Does this make trade with other countries easier?-3
The phase-out of de minimis treatment may create friction in international trade and increase costs for importers.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-2
Eliminating de minimis treatment may increase the cost of inexpensive imported goods often consumed by low-income households.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Enforcement and Collection: Under Section 2(c)(2), the rulemaking process aims to ensure that data requirements and entry procedures allow for the effective enforcement of laws and the efficient collection of duties, fees, and taxes.
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Deterrence of Fraud: According to Section 2(c)(3), new regulations and guidance are intended to establish penalties and liabilities that deter unlawful or fraudulent activity and ensure accurate documentation.
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Postal Consistency: Section 2(d) directs the Secretary of the Treasury to work with the Postmaster General to determine fees and procedures that aim to create consistency between shipments sent through the international postal network and other shipments.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Immediate Impact on Chinese Goods: Per Section 2(b)(1), the elimination of de minimis treatment for articles originating in China takes effect on the date of enactment, which could affect those importing such goods, though exceptions are made for goods loaded or in transit during a 3-day window.
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Delayed Impact on Other Countries: Under Section 2(b)(2), articles originating in any country other than China will face these new rules 120 days after the act is enacted, affecting those who currently utilize de minimis treatment for imports.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Union Workers+1Good For Business Owners-3Good For Low Income Households-2Good For Middle Class Households-1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+3Improves Consumer Protection+2Improves Small Business Support-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+2
- 5/22/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Lindsey GrahamRepublican · South Carolina