Ensuring Safe and Lawful E-Commerce for United States Consumers, Businesses, Government Supply Chains, and Intellectual Property Rights Holders

2020-02-05Executive Order 13904
Signed by: Donald Trump
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Headline: Tightens Import Controls on E-Commerce and International Mail Shipments

What it does: Agencies must set importer criteria, increase enforcement of e-commerce shipments, and limit imports from non-compliant international posts.

Real World Impact:
  • Bars suspended or debarred sellers from obtaining importer numbers and importing goods.
  • Requires couriers and customs brokers to report attempts to evade importer rules.
  • Targets repeat non-compliant international postal services for increased inspections or shipment blocks.
Topics: e-commerce, customs and imports, postal security, consumer protection, intellectual property

Summary

This order tightens U.S. controls on goods sold online and arriving through international mail and courier services. It directs the homeland security and customs agency to set standards for who can be an importer of record, to bar suspended or debarred persons, and to increase inspections and reporting by carriers and customs brokers.

The order also directs the Postal Service to work with international posts, asks prosecutors to prioritize import-related crimes, and seeks fee and enforcement reviews to protect consumers, businesses, and federal revenue.

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