H.R. 1284

In brief

This bill increases civil penalties for fraudulent and grossly negligent violations of U.S. customs laws and establishes an importation ban for violators. It raises the maximum fine for fraud to three times the domestic value of the merchandise and bars such importers from the United States for five years, while grossly negligent violators face smaller fines and a two-year ban. These penalties also apply to affiliated persons, such as family members or employees, and require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to revoke their importer of record numbers. Additionally, the legislation allows domestic manufacturers and other interested parties to file private lawsuits against entities committing customs fraud. Introduced by Representative Mike Bost (R-IL), the bill is currently awaiting consideration by the House Committee on Ways and Means.