Import Security and Fairness Act

This bill, known as the "Import Security and Fairness Act," significantly amends the Tariff Act of 1930 by restricting de minimis duty exemptions for certain imported articles. Specifically, it prohibits articles from receiving de minimis treatment if their country of origin or shipment is both a nonmarket economy country and a country on the priority watch list , aiming to address trade concerns with these nations. The legislation also introduces new administrative requirements for all de minimis entries, mandating that the Secretary of the Treasury establish regulations for submitting detailed documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This required information includes the article's description, Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification, country of origin , country of shipment, shipper and importer identities, and transaction value. Non-compliance with these documentation rules will incur substantial civil penalties , starting at $5,000 for the first violation. Additionally, the bill authorizes exceptions to de minimis treatment for imports facilitated by persons suspended or debarred from federal business. It also revises procedures for detained de minimis merchandise, requiring U.S. Customs and Border Protection to notify interested parties, who then have 30 days to respond or risk the merchandise being denied entry for export or deemed abandoned. These amendments will become effective 180 days after the Act's enactment.