Senators Demand Crackdown on De Minimis Customs Loophole Exploited by Fentanyl Traffickers

U.S. Democratic senators urge the Biden administration to address a loophole in customs regulations which allows drug traffickers to import Chinese-made fentanyl chemicals. Senators recommend intensifying scrutiny of the de minimis rule, which facilitates duty-free imports valued under $800, to curb the illicit influx.

Prominent U.S. Democratic senators are pressing the Biden administration to tighten oversight of a widespread duty-free customs program after investigative reporting from Reuters brought to light its exploitation by drug traffickers. The streamlined entry system is being used to channel Chinese-made fentanyl chemicals into the United States with minimal checks.

In correspondence sent to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the legislators urged action against e-commerce shipments finding loopholes in the de minimis rule. This rule permits duty-free entry of packages valued under $800, often used by online retailers to supply U.S. customers. The senators, including Elizabeth Warren and Sheldon Whitehouse, expressed concern over this rule being leveraged to smuggle illicit fentanyl.

Lawmakers are advocating for stricter measures to combat the opioid crisis, stressing that the surge in de minimis imports complicates law enforcement's efforts to intercept contraband drugs. The call for reform coincides with legislative efforts to amend the rule and reflects broader bipartisan challenges in Congress during an election year.

(With inputs from agencies.)