Vol. 114 - No. 102 - May 28, 2010

Rep. Owens Introduces Bill to Lift Duty-free Cap to $1,000

Rep. Bill Owens, D-N.Y., introduced legislation Wednesday that would increase the value of goods brought into the United States duty free to $1,000.

The proposed Customs De Minimis Adjustment Act of 2010 would increase the value of goods brought into the United States duty free from $200 to $1,000 and without customs entry procedures.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association praised Owens for introducing the legislation.

"With the increases in demand over the last 17 years and higher inflation, raising the limit on duty free goods entering the U.S. makes perfect sense," said Kelly Kolb, RILA’s vice president of global supply chain policy, in a statement.

"We commend Congressman Owens for introducing legislation that will help make it more cost-effective and efficient for businesses to bring goods into the United States, thereby creating more opportunities for trade, boosting economic growth and lowering prices for consumers," she added.