Federal agents could enforce customs and anti-smuggling laws twice as far offshore — out to 24 nautical miles instead of 12. The bill updates 1930s-era language to match maritime zones the President already proclaimed. It takes effect the day after signing.
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Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Latest action on H.R. 1268: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Who this affects: The bill mainly affects federal enforcement agencies like Customs and Border Protection and the Coast Guard, who would gain clearer legal backing to operate farther offshore. It also affects commercial shipping operators, fishing fleets, and foreign vessels passing near U.S. coasts, all of whom could face customs inspections in a wider zone.
Why this matters: Right now there is a mismatch: the President already declared a 24-mile contiguous zone, but the actual statutes still use 1930s language that only covers about 12 miles. That gap can create legal confusion about where enforcement authority really applies. Closing it could strengthen anti-smuggling operations and give courts, agencies, and foreign governments a clearer picture of U.S. customs jurisdiction at sea.
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