HR6215-119

What This Bill Does

The Small Business RELIEF Act creates a small-business exemption and refund rule for duties imposed under Executive Order 14257, published at 90 Fed. Reg. 15041. Duties imposed under that order would not apply to goods imported by a small business concern or imported for the use of a small business concern. Within 90 days after enactment, the President must refund any duties paid under Executive Order 14257 on goods imported by or for the use of a small business concern. The bill uses the Small Business Act definition of small business concern in 15 U.S.C. 632.

Who Benefits and How

Small business importers benefit because covered goods are exempt from Executive Order 14257 duties. Small retailers importing goods benefit from refunds of duties already paid on covered imports. Small manufacturers using imported materials benefit if their inputs were imported by or for the use of a small business concern. Small Business Administration size-standard users benefit because the bill relies on the existing Small Business Act definition.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Treasury customs revenue falls because covered duties must not apply and previously paid duties must be refunded. U.S. Customs and Border Protection staff must identify covered small-business imports and process refunds within 90 days. The President must direct the refund of covered Executive Order 14257 duties by the statutory deadline. Large business importers remain subject to the duties and may face a relative cost disadvantage against exempt small competitors.

Key Provisions

• Exempts goods imported by small business concerns from duties imposed under Executive Order 14257.
• Exempts goods imported for the use of small business concerns from those duties.
• Requires refunds within 90 days for covered duties already paid on small-business imports.
• Uses the Small Business Act definition of small business concern.