Commerce Department Finally Removes Panama Canal Zone from US Definition
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Rule
Summary
The Department of Commerce is updating its rules to remove the old mention of the Panama Canal Zone from the definition of “United States” since it’s no longer part of the U.S. This change makes the rules clearer and consistent, affecting anyone who reads or follows these regulations. The update takes effect on April 16, 2026, and won’t cost anyone extra money.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Remove Panama Canal Zone Reference
If you read or follow the Department of Commerce rules at 15 CFR parts 8 and 20, the definition of “United States” no longer includes the Panama Canal Zone. The revised definitions now explicitly mention the Northern Mariana Islands and use the uniform phrase “the fifty States.” This change takes effect April 16, 2026, and the rule says it will not impose additional costs.
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