Update on Request for Increase in Informal Entry and De Minimis Amounts

In April 2009, the Express Association of America (EAA) made a request to CBP for an increase in the informal entry amount from $2,000 to $2,500 and the de minimis amount for express couriers from $200 to $800. Just over a year later, Congressman Bill Owens introduced H.R. 5375, a bill to change the de minimis amounts under 19 U.S.C. 1321 from $200 to $1,000. Owens believes the increase would encourage economic developmen and reduce the number of entries filed. The current $200 limit was established in 1993 and has not been adjusted for inflation in 17 years. According to the EAA web site, CBP is working on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking related to increases proposed last year. Projected publication for comments is late summer or early fall. Maybe by this time next year, we will have a resolution to these requests!