Contact Congress about H.R. 1840: Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act

Cheap imports that currently skip tariffs and customs paperwork would face the same duties and reporting as any other shipment. The change hits goods from China right away and applies to all other countries four months later. New rules would also tighten enforcement and penalties for bad paperwork on small shipments.

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Closing the De Minimis Loophole 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. 1840: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Who this affects: This bill touches anyone involved in the flow of small, low-value packages from overseas into the U.S. — from the companies shipping them to the consumers buying them, and the agencies processing them at the border. Businesses that have relied on the de minimis rule to keep costs low would face new duties and paperwork requirements, while domestic competitors who already pay full tariffs could see a more level playing field.

Why this matters: The de minimis loophole has become one of the biggest gaps in U.S. trade enforcement. Hundreds of millions of small packages enter the country each year with minimal checks, making it easier to dodge tariffs, slip in counterfeit goods, and avoid safety inspections. Closing this loophole could bring in new tariff revenue and give enforcement agencies better tools — but it could also raise costs for consumers and strain an already stretched customs system.

Key provisions in H.R. 1840

• Ends the de minimis exemption for low-value imports by removing section 321(a)(2)(C) of the Tariff Act of 1930.
• Takes effect immediately for goods from China, except items already loaded or in final transit within three days before enactment.
• Kicks in for goods from all other countries 120 days after the bill becomes law.
• Requires the Treasury Secretary to finish writing new rules within 120 days to implement the change and update entry procedures.
• Informal entries for textiles and clothing (tariff chapters 50–63) must include the correct tariff heading or 10-digit subheading number.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 1840

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 1840

What is H.R. 1840?

Cheap imports that currently skip tariffs and customs paperwork would face the same duties and reporting as any other shipment. The change hits goods from China right away and applies to all other countries four months later. New rules would also tighten enforcement and penalties for bad paperwork on small shipments.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 1840?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 1840?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 1840 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.