On September 13, the Biden-Harris Administration released a Fact Sheet announcing new actions to protect American consumers, workers, and businesses by cracking down on unsafe and unfairly traded de minimis shipments. The proposed measures include:

– Ending exemptions from Chinese 201, 232 and 301 duties for de minimis shipments.
– Increasing data collection for low-value shipments to better target unsafe goods.
– Strengthening enforcement by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
– Enhancing textile and apparel enforcement.

In addition, a group of lawmakers sent a letter on September 11, urging the president to address the “de minimis loophole,” which allows goods valued under $800 to enter the US with minimal data and no duties. They expressed concerns about the illegal trafficking of drugs, goods produced with forced labor, and other potentially dangerous items. The letter called for disqualifying commercial shipments from de minimis treatment, reflecting the lawmakers’ growing concerns.

De minimis is a significant focus for lawmakers and the President, with new measures being proposed to tighten regulations and enforcement.