Customs Facilitation Act of 2025
The Customs Facilitation Act of 2025 would create a more integrated, government-wide approach to border processing for goods. It establishes a Border Interagency Executive Council to coordinate across multiple federal agencies (including DHS, State, Treasury, DoD, Agriculture, Commerce, HHS, Transportation, EPA, and others) to improve supply chain efficiency and enforcement. The bill requires a single, scalable “single window” system for processing and releasing cargo, tightly integrating with the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and the International Trade Data System to reduce duplicate data submissions and enable real-time data sharing with partner agencies. It directs ongoing modernization of ACE, with formal development priorities, frequent stakeholder engagement, and public progress reporting. The act also provides for appropriations to fund these efforts. In addition to the border-automation agenda, the bill proposes modernization of trade processes (simplifying drawback, streamlining exports, and expanding electronic filings), and strengthens data collection, transparency, and accountability (new data-regulation standards, updated CBP materials, defined response timelines, and better access to agency contact information). Overall, the measure emphasizes faster lawful trade, improved enforcement, reduced duplicative reporting, and greater government-wide coordination at the border. Sponsors are listed as Senator Cassidy (with Ms. Cortez Masto) and the bill has been introduced and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
Key Points
- 1Establishment of the Border Interagency Executive Council to coordinate border policy and procedures across multiple federal agencies, with DHS oversight and a rotating chair from CBP, plus public reporting and a pathway for stakeholder input.
- 2Creation of a single window import/export cargo processing release system that is scalable and uniform, integrated with ACE and the International Trade Data System, designed to allow real-time data sharing among CBP and partner agencies, minimize duplicate submissions, and standardize data elements (including HTS headings) across agencies.
- 3Ongoing modernization of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), including establishing development priorities with input from trade groups, regular 30-day (and up to frequent) meetings to evaluate enhancements, and a formal mechanism (ticketing system) for user feedback and system issue tracking; a mandate to publish progress reports to Congress and the public.
- 4Modernization of trade processes, including (a) simplification of drawback procedures with accelerated payment, clear provisions for refunds/overpayments within tight thresholds, electronic filing, and no prior export notice for eligible drawback claims; (b) streamlined export processes with new regulations on advance information and coordination with the Commerce Department; (c) clarified handling of clerical errors in export data and a practice that avoids penalizing inadvertent, non-pattern errors.
- 5Strengthening data collection, transparency, and public engagement requirements, including: (a) new federal regulations for data collection with substantial stakeholder consultation and considerations for practical compliance across different business models; (b) updates to CBP’s website and the CTPAT Trade Compliance Handbook with changes and guidance, especially on forced labor issues; (c) deadlines and performance reporting on CBP rulings/decisions, with GAO oversight and recommendations; (d) a centralized system to provide up-to-date contact information for CBP and related centers at ports of entry.