Securing Accountability in Foreign Entries Act

The Securing Accountability in Foreign Entries (SAFE) Act aims to tighten U.S. customs laws by requiring that any "importer of record"—the party responsible for ensuring imported goods comply with local laws and for paying duties—has a verifiable physical presence in the United States. Currently, foreign entities without a significant U.S. presence can act as importers, which the bill's sponsors argue allows shell companies to avoid paying tariffs or bypass safety regulations. Under this proposal, an importer would generally need to be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a domestic company with at least one full-time U.S. employee.

The legislation would also establish specific exceptions and higher standards for foreign companies. It proposes to allow businesses from trusted partner countries like Canada and Australia to continue operating as importers, while requiring others to meet strict criteria, such as having a long-standing history, a large workforce, and significant annual revenue. Additionally, the bill would require that all customs duties and fees be paid from verified U.S. bank accounts to ensure financial transparency and prevent money laundering.