Customs Facilitation Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Bill Cassidy
Introduced
Summary
Creates a centralized, modernized U.S. border and trade system by standing up a Border Interagency Executive Council and building a single-window automated cargo platform tied to the Automated Commercial Environment. It also streamlines customs processes, speeds drawback payments, and boosts trade-community transparency and agency responsiveness.
Show full summary
- Importers, exporters, carriers, and customs brokers would submit data once into a single-window platform inside ACE or its successor, reduce duplicate filings, and speed cargo release. Platform implementation must begin within one year after funds are first made available.
- Businesses claiming drawback refunds would get accelerated electronic payments with pre-liquidation protection and must post a bond securing 100% of estimated duties while liquidation is pending. Payments are adjusted if estimates differ from final liquidation by more than $20.
- Trade community users would see more public reporting, a requirement for regular stakeholder feedback and user testing, improved CBP contact access, and GAO reviews of CBP fees and response times. CBP must complete a 180-day assessment for system tech options.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
New border council for trade
If enacted, the bill would create a Border Interagency Executive Council led by DHS and chaired by CBP. The Council would set common risk rules, speed electronic review of trade documents, and study electronic payments for duties and fees. It would publish a public progress report within one year and every other year after that. The Council must seek public comment and may waive agency participation when needed.
Single trade system for importers/exporters
If enacted, DHS and CBP would build and keep modernizing one electronic system for trade data. The system would combine manifests, entry summaries, cargo financial data, and admissibility checks. CBP must assess commercial technology within 180 days and start user meetings within 90 days, then meet at least every 30 days. The system must be implemented within one year after funds are first made available. CBP would report to Congress within two years and then each year. The bill would authorize funds starting in fiscal year 2026 as needed.
Export reporting rules and safe harbor
If enacted, the Department of Commerce would write rules for advance export documentation and work with CBP to avoid duplicate reporting. The rulemaking must consider different business models, transport modes, and allow transition steps. The bill would require USPS to send certain international mail data to CBP. It would also make clerical errors or honest mistakes in export reports not violations unless they form a pattern. Repeated nonintentional resubmissions by an electronic system would not alone count as a pattern.
Accelerated drawback refunds for exporters
If enacted, eligible drawback claimants who meet documentation rules would be able to get an early payment of the full estimated duties, taxes, and fees while liquidation is pending. Claimants would need to file required business records and obtain a bond covering 100% of the estimated amount. If the estimated payment is more than the final liquidated amount by over $20, the claimant must refund the excess. If the final liquidated amount is more by over $20, CBP must pay the difference. CBP must issue rules within 180 days and would allow electronic amendments and waive prior export notice for eligible filers.
Study of CBP fee changes
If enacted, the Comptroller General would report to Congress within one year on CBP's fee schedule. The report must assess options to restructure fees, ways to lower costs for the most compliant traders, and ways to make sure users who benefit pay for services. The report would include recommendations for Congress.
More CBP guidance and faster rulings
If enacted, CBP would review and may shorten deadlines for rulings, protests, and petitions within one year. The Comptroller General would report to Congress within one year on average response times and missed deadlines. CBP's Centers of Excellence would provide more guidance on lawful entry and post-entry procedures, including forced-labor admissibility issues. CBP must consult and notify the trade community before changing the CTPAT Trade Compliance Handbook and coordinate with the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Bill Cassidy
LA • R
Cosponsors
Catherine Cortez Masto
NV • D
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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