Thune, Wyden Aim To Raise Duty-Free Threshold With Bill They Say Could Help Digital Trade

Sens. John Thune, R-S.D., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., introduced a bill Thursday to quadruple the duty-free de minimis level for U.S. imports to $800, from $200. The de minimis is the threshold on which goods are able to enter the U.S. duty-free. Both lawmakers tried but failed to advance the Low Value Shipment Regulatory Modernization Act last Congress. The measure would be a particular boost to small businesses and the digital trade world, both lawmakers said in statements. “Current import policies on low-value shipments are outdated and need to be modernized for the benefit of American consumers and for small businesses, which increasingly use the Internet to access global markets,” Thune said. “Goods shipped to American consumers should be treated the same way as goods carried on a plane to the United States by American travelers.” In recent years, Congress raised the de minimis to $800 for most circumstances where U.S. citizens are returning from abroad. The increased level would take effect in 2016. The bill also calls on the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to try to raise de minimis levels in trade negotiations. Many lawmakers on Capitol Hill support that goal, as do industry representatives.