US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB805

Introduced
1/28/25  

Caption

End China’s De Minimis Abuse Act

Impact

If enacted, HB805 will significantly modify import practices by preventing the advantages currently enjoyed under the de minimis provision, particularly in relation to Chinese goods. The amendments will ensure that goods shipped in separate lots cannot qualify for duty-free treatment to exploit the threshold. This change is expected to level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers, who have increasingly expressed concerns over unfair competition from international suppliers taking advantage of these exemptions.

Summary

House Bill 805, known as the 'End China’s De Minimis Abuse Act', proposes amendments to section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930 to address the administrative exemptions currently in place. The legislation seeks to restrict the circumstances under which goods can be imported free from duties, particularly those originating from China. By altering the 'de minimis' threshold, the bill aims to curtail the purported abuse of these exemptions, which critics argue has allowed Chinese manufacturers to bypass tariffs on low-value goods, undermining American businesses and workers.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB805 have highlighted a notable debate on trade policy. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to protect American industry from the influx of low-cost imports that do not adhere to the same regulatory standards. Conversely, opponents raise concerns regarding potential retaliatory measures from China and the impact on consumers who may face higher prices on imported goods. The balance between consumer benefits from lower-cost imports and protecting domestic industries from unfair practices remains a central point of contention in the legislative debate.

Congress_id

119-HR-805

Introduced_date

2025-01-28

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB1840

Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act

US SB1867

Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act

US HB5960

Territorial De Minimis Exemption Act

US SB1185

FIGHTING for America Act of 2025 Fighting Illicit Goods, Helping Trustworthy Importers, and Netting Gains for America Act of 2025

US HB742

Child abuse; require mandatory minimums and arrests for severe child abuse.

US HB1059

Child abuse; require mandatory minimums and arrests for severe child abuse.

US HB322

Import Security and Fairness Act

US HB694

Restoring Trade Fairness ActThis bill establishes various trade measures related to China, including by revoking China's permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status and increasing the rates of duty (i.e., tariffs) on Chinese imported goods. The bill prohibits imported goods originating from North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran from receiving de minimis treatment. (Current law allows for U.S. imports under a de minimis threshold of $800 per shipment to enter free of tariffs, fees, and taxes.)Specifically, the bill revokes China's PNTR status. Currently, China's PNTR status allows for Chinese goods to have duty rates set forth in column 1 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). With the removal of China's PNTR status, the bill generally sets the applicable duty rates on imported Chinese goods at the higher rates listed in column 2 of the HTS, with exceptions.The bill establishes a minimum duty rate of 35% for all Chinese goods, which requires column 2 rates to be at least 35%. However, the bill establishes a minimum duty rate of 100% for a list of specified goods (e.g., various minerals, certain vaccines and drugs, and certain defense-related articles). Duty rates are phased in over five years and adjusted annually for inflation.The bill alsoauthorizes the President to take additional actions related to trade with China, requires merchandise imported from China to be appraised based on U.S. value, and establishes a trust fund to compensate U.S. producers for lost revenue resulting from retaliatory actions by China.

US SB206

Restoring Trade Fairness ActThis bill establishes various trade measures related to China, including by revoking China's permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status and increasing the rates of duty (i.e., tariffs) on Chinese imported goods. The bill prohibits imported goods originating from North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran from receiving de minimis treatment. (Current law allows for U.S. imports under a de minimis threshold of $800 per shipment to enter free of tariffs, fees, and taxes.)Specifically, the bill revokes China's PNTR status. Currently, China's PNTR status allows for Chinese goods to have duty rates set forth in column 1 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). With the removal of China's PNTR status, the bill generally sets the applicable duty rates on imported Chinese goods at the higher rates listed in column 2 of the HTS, with exceptions.The bill establishes a minimum duty rate of 35% for all Chinese goods, which requires column 2 rates to be at least 35%. However, the bill establishes a minimum duty rate of 100% for a list of specified goods (e.g., various minerals, certain vaccines and drugs, and certain defense-related articles). Duty rates are phased in over five years and adjusted annually for inflation.The bill alsoauthorizes the President to take additional actions related to trade with China, requires merchandise imported from China to be appraised based on U.S. value, and establishes a trust fund to compensate U.S. producers for lost revenue resulting from retaliatory actions by China.

US SB691

Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.