This bill creates a more streamlined and coordinated system for importing and exporting goods into the United States. Right now, companies dealing with customs have to navigate multiple government agencies with different requirements and systems, which slows down trade and increases costs. This bill fixes that by establishing a single coordinated approach.

The bill creates a Border Interagency Executive Council that brings together representatives from all the federal agencies involved in trade (like Customs, Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services, and others) to work together on common standards and processes. It also requires the development of a unified online platform where importers and exporters can submit all their paperwork and get approvals from all relevant agencies in one place, rather than dealing with each agency separately.

The bill also makes several specific improvements to customs procedures. It simplifies the process for getting refunds on duties paid (called "drawback"), streamlines export documentation requirements, and makes it easier for companies to correct minor clerical errors without facing penalties. Additionally, it requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to be more transparent about its requirements, respond faster to business inquiries, and make it easier for companies to find the right government contact person when they have questions.

Customs Facilitation Act of 2025

Cassidy, Bill

Customs Facilitation Act of 2025This bill revises procedures for customs and trade enforcement and establishes related data and reporting requirements.&nbsp;Specifically, the bill provides statutory authority for the Border Interagency Executive Council to enhance coordination&nbsp;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)&nbsp;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).&nbsp;Additionally, among other actions,&nbsp;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.