CLEAN FTZ Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Bill Cassidy
Introduced
Summary
Identify and sanction illicit trade in non‑U.S. free trade zones. This bill would create a cross‑agency framework led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to list foreign free trade zones, rank countries by compliance, and enable targeted penalties for bad actors.
Show full summary
- Operators in foreign free trade zones would appear on a public list within two years and could use a secure website and public hotline to report illicit activity or seek reclassification.
- Foreign governments would be sorted into four tiers I–IV based on enforcement and adherence to international standards, with annual reviews and the possibility of reclassification and formal notification within 240 days of initial publication.
- U.S. agencies would coordinate enforcement and assistance. Customs and Border Protection would work with Commerce, State, Treasury, and the U.S. Trade Representative to offer help to Tier II–IV countries and to factor the list into U.S. commercial strategies.
- The President would be able to impose economic sanctions and visa restrictions on foreign persons tied to illicit trade in Tier II–IV zones, including blocking property under IEEPA and denying or revoking entry documents, subject to a limited exception tied to the U.N. Headquarters Agreement.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Funding for CBP enforcement work
The bill would authorize the CBP Commissioner to receive 'such sums as may be necessary' to carry out this Act. Those funds would have no fiscal year limit and would remain available until expended. Any amounts appropriated would have to supplement, not replace, other funding. This authorization would take effect upon enactment.
Public list of foreign free zones
This bill would require CBP to publish a public list of non‑U.S. free trade zones within 2 years. The list would show each zone's identity, location, and administrator. CBP would publish a Tier I–IV country classification within 180 days after the list and tell each government within 240 days. CBP would review the list at least once a year, offer recommendations to Tier II–IV countries, and set up a public hotline and secure website upon enactment for zone operators to report illicit trade.
Sanctions and definitions for illicit trade
The bill would let the President impose sanctions on foreign persons who organize, finance, or help illicit trade in zones in Tier II–IV countries. Sanctions could block property and transactions under IEEPA, regulate foreign exchange and payments, and make covered noncitizens ineligible for visas, with exceptions for important law enforcement objectives and U.N. obligations. The bill would also define key terms like 'illicit international trade,' 'non‑United States free trade zone,' 'United States person,' and related immigration terms to guide enforcement. IEEPA penalties would apply for violations.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Bill Cassidy
LA • R
Cosponsors
Sheldon Whitehouse
RI • D
Sponsored 4/3/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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