Dianne Feinstein: “In 1988, Congress passed the Duty Free Sales Enterprises Act which, among other things, gave Customs the authority to…”

“In 1988, Congress passed the Duty Free Sales Enterprises Act which, among other things, gave Customs the authority to audit duty free stores to ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing import activities. The Act also permitted off-airport sites, as long as they were in within 25 miles of the airport. What happens is: tourists visit the off-airport site, buy duty-free goods and those goods are shipped to meet them when they arrive home. When the bill was passed, audits were conducted in person by Customs inspectors. The 25-mile limit was imposed so as not to unduly burden inspectors who would otherwise have to travel great distances between stores. However, audits are no longer conducted in person; rather they are done by computer. Inspectors no longer have to travel between stores. This legislation adds new section to the law establishing the 25-mile limit to allow exceptions if Customs is reasonably assured the goods being sold are duty free items for people leaving through international airports. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.”