US proposes to increase oversight of ‘de minimis’ exemption for low-value imports

The US proposed a new regulation on Monday to strengthen oversight of low-value imports under the de minimis rule, which exempts goods valued at US$800 or less from duties and stringent screening.

The US Customs and Border Protection agency (CPB) said its proposed Entry of Low-Value Shipments rule was intended to enhance its ability to “intercept unsafe and illegal goods” by mandating additional shipment data and implementing a fully electronic filing process.

The proposal comes as CBP grapples with an unprecedented influx of de minimis shipments – over 4 million daily – that officials say overwhelm their ability to target high-risk packages.

Pete Flores, the acting head of the agency, called the proposed change vital to addressing growing threats.

“Every day, the men and women of CBP interdict goods that threaten the health and safety of Americans as well as the economic vitality of our country,” Flores said in a statement.

“This proposed rule will help to give us some of the tools we need to address more of these threats.”