Customs. The Fighting Trade Cheats Act (S. 805, introduced March 15 by Sens. Brown, D-Ohio, and Tillis, R-N.C.) would increase civil penalties (including monetary penalties and bans on importing) for, and improve enforcement with respect to, fraud and gross negligence under 19 USC 1592. The two senators said this bill would allow private companies to sue foreign producers.
The Customs Business Fairness Act (H.R. 1453, introduced March 8 by Reps. Garbarino, R-N.Y., and Meeks, D-N.Y.) would allow full subrogation of claims for the payment of customs duties. The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America said this bill would protect customs brokers who have paid duties on behalf of importers that subsequently file for bankruptcy.
CTPAT. S. 794 (introduced March 14 by Sens. Cornyn, R-Texas, and Carper, D-Del.) would create a pilot program allowing up to 20 non-asset-based third-party logistics providers to become certified in the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.
