This bill expands the authorities for adjusting the rate for merchandise processing fees and the requirements for using certain customs user fees. It also prohibits U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from requiring sea ports of entry to provide or maintain certain facilities for CBP inspection services.
Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of the Treasury to adjust the ad valorem rate for merchandise processing and the related limits on the amount of the fees to offset CBP's capital costs for processing entries and releases of merchandise. (Currently, Treasury may only adjust the rate and limits to offset CBP's related salaries and expenses.) The bill also requires Treasury to use certain customs user fees to reimburse CBP for paying capital costs associated with passenger inspection services.
Additionally, the bill (1) prohibits CBP from requesting or requiring a sea port of entry to provide or maintain administrative, training, or recreational facilities at the port for purposes of facilitating CBP's inspection services; and (2) requires CBP to submit an annual report to appropriate congressional committees on the amount and use of proceeds from merchandise processing fees.
