CBP Guidance on Personal Belongings Act
- Short title: CBP Guidance on Personal Belongings Act
- Bill number: H.R. 10237
- Sponsor: John Rutherford (R-FL)
- Status: Introduced in the House on December 6, 2024
- Committee: House Committee on Homeland Security
Summary
The CBP Guidance on Personal Belongings Act would require the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to issue guidance on the treatment of personal belongings by CBP officers.
The guidance would include:
- A definition of “personal belongings”
- A list of items that are exempt from duty and taxes
- Procedures for declaring personal belongings
- Procedures for the inspection of personal belongings
- Procedures for the seizure of personal belongings
Background
CBP officers are responsible for enforcing the customs and immigration laws of the United States. These laws include provisions on the importation of goods into the United States.
Personal belongings are generally exempt from duty and taxes if they are:
- Accompanying the traveler
- Not intended for sale
- Not of a commercial nature
However, CBP officers have the authority to inspect personal belongings to ensure that they are not being used to smuggle contraband into the United States.
Arguments in favor of the bill
Supporters of the bill argue that it would provide much-needed guidance to CBP officers on the treatment of personal belongings. They say that the guidance would help to ensure that travelers are treated fairly and consistently by CBP officers.
The bill is also supported by the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA). The NCBFAA argues that the bill would provide much-needed clarity on the treatment of personal belongings.
Arguments against the bill
Opponents of the bill argue that it is unnecessary. They say that CBP officers already have sufficient guidance on the treatment of personal belongings.
The bill is also opposed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The ACLU argues that the bill would give CBP officers too much discretion in the treatment of personal belongings.
Outlook
The CBP Guidance on Personal Belongings Act is currently in committee. It is unclear whether the bill will be passed by Congress.
H.R. 10237 (IH) – CBP Guidance on Personal Belongings Act
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