Congress Seeks Industry Input Regarding Updates Need to Modernize U.S. Customs Laws

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Jun. 15, 2023
By: Marvin E. McPherson

If the (alleged) day-to-day interaction with outdated U.S. Customs regulations and systems is costing your company time and money, now is your time to be heard. On June 13, 2023, Senators Bill Cassidy, Catherine Cortez Masto, Marsha Blackburn, and Maggie Hassan wrote a letter on the need to modernize U.S. customs laws and invited the public to submit comments, as to how to best do so.

The senators highlighted the significant growth in U.S. trade volumes, with over $3 trillion per year and 2 million low-value shipments entering the country daily. The letter emphasized the importance of minimizing disruptions in supply chains and creating more streamlined processes to benefit consumers, businesses, and the government.

The senators requested feedback from the trade community on various aspects of trade facilitation, such as;

1.      Current barriers and challenges

2.      Effective improvements to trade processes

3.      Elimination of redundant data requirements

4.      Enhancing the Automated Commercial Environment

5.      Facilitating data transmission in the supply chain

They also wish for input on enhancing security programs such as the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) and pre-clearance programs at foreign ports. As Congress updates and modernizes trade laws industry has an opportunity to provide feedback prospectively.  Comments are requested to be submitted by July 11, 2023.

If your company would like assistance in submitting a comment, do not hesitate to contact any attorney at Barnes Richardson and Colburn.