Legislative Update: Merchandise Processing Fees, Shipping, Labeling

For more information on pursuing trade policy interests through the legislative process, please contact Nicole Bivens Collinson at (202) 730-4956 or via email.

Merchandise Processing Fees. The CBP Securing Ports and America’s Commerce and Economy Act (H.R. 4336, introduced July 10 by Reps. Lee, R-Fla., and Perez, D-Wash.) would provide authority to adjust MPF rates to offset capital costs incurred by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Shipping. The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act (S. 2243, introduced July 10 by Sen. Whitehouse, D-R.I., and H.R. 4341, introduced July 10 by Rep. Matsui, D-Calif.) would impose a $150 per ton fee on greenhouse gas pollution emitted by ships carrying cargo destined for the U.S., as well as fees for nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and soot that ships emit in U.S. waters. These fees would only apply to large foreign-flagged ships with 5,000 gross tonnage or more. The revenue from these fees would be used to fund cleaner ships and port equipment.

Labeling. S. 2233 (introduced July 9 by Sen. Rounds, R-S.D.) would amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act to modify requirements for a meat food product of cattle to bear a “Product of U.S.A.”' label.