S. 956 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Mar 11, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryStreamlines customs processes for importers and exporters
This bill aims to make it easier and faster to move goods in and out of the United States. It requires the Department of Homeland Security to set up a single automated system for processing cargo imports and exports, and to keep modernizing the system businesses use to report their shipments. The bill also speeds up refunds on duties for goods that are reexported or destroyed, and allows export information to be submitted before shipments leave the country.
How it affects you
If you work in import or export businesses, this affects you most directly. You'll get faster processing of your shipments, a more streamlined way to submit required information, and quicker refunds if your goods are reexported or destroyed. The bill also makes minor errors in paperwork less likely to result in penalties. Most everyday people won't notice a direct change, though potentially smoother trade could affect prices and availability of imported goods.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Mar 11, 2025)
Customs Facilitation Act of 2025
This bill revises procedures for customs and trade enforcement and establishes related data and reporting requirements.
Specifically, the bill provides statutory authority for the Border Interagency Executive Council to enhance coordination with border management authorities.
The Department of Homeland Security must (1) ensure that a uniform automated platform provides a system to process and release cargo being imported into and exported from the United States, and (2) provide for the continuous modernization of the Automated Commercial Environment (the system through which the trade community reports imports and exports and the government determines admissibility).
The bill allows for an accelerated payment of duty drawbacks (i.e., refunds on duties for imported items that are reexported or destroyed) for claims in which the claimant has submitted required documentation and obtained a properly executed bond.
The Department of Commerce must issue regulations allowing for the submission of export manifest data prior to departure. Clerical errors in the submission of export data shall generally be exempt from penalties.
The bill establishes requirements for specified agencies to follow when issuing regulations related to data collection for trade enforcement and facilitation.
The Government Accountability Office must submit certain reports, including on the fee schedule of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Additionally, among other actions, CBP must (1) notify members of the trade community when it makes changes to the minimum-security criteria for participation in the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program, and (2) review deadlines for CBP responses to requests.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS. 956
A BILL
Customs Facilitation Act of 2025
Sponsor: Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) · Introduced Mar 11, 2025 · Foreign Trade and International Finance · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 11, 2025: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.”
Sections
Sections · 1
Title I — One United States Government at the Border · 4
- Sec. 101Border Interagency Executive CouncilNo change
- Sec. 102Establishment of single window import and export cargo processing release systemNo change
- Sec. 103Continued modernization of the Automated Commercial EnvironmentNo change
- Sec. 104Authorization of appropriations for uniform system for processing and release of cargoNo change
Title II — Modernizing Customs Processes · 5
- Sec. 201Simplification of drawback proceduresNo change
- Sec. 202Streamlined export processesNo change
- Sec. 203Treatment of clerical errors in submission of export dataNo change
- Sec. 204Government Accountability Office report on fee schedule of U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionNo change
- Sec. 205Improvements to Centers of Excellence and ExpertiseNo change
Title III — Improving Customs Data and Transparency · 4
- Sec. 301Requirements for regulations relating to data collection for trade enforcement and facilitationNo change
- Sec. 302Updates to U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Trade Compliance HandbookNo change
- Sec. 303Establishment of deadlines for agency responses to trade community requestsNo change
- Sec. 304Accessibility of contact information of representatives of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Centers of Excellence and ExpertiseNo change