H.R. 6216: Support Our Troops Shipping Relief Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Support Our Troops Shipping Relief Act of 2025, aims to help nonprofit organizations that send humanitarian care packages to U.S. Armed Forces members stationed overseas by removing certain tariffs and reporting requirements. Here are the main points of the bill:

Purpose of the Bill

The bill is intended to alleviate the obstacles faced by nonprofit organizations in shipping care packages to military personnel. These organizations have previously encountered difficulties due to recent customs and postal requirements that were primarily designed for commercial shipments rather than for humanitarian packages.

Key Provisions

• Exemption from Tariffs: The bill would exempt qualifying shipments from any tariffs or duties that would normally apply under U.S. law.
• Simplified Reporting Requirements: Nonprofit organizations would no longer be required to provide detailed reporting data such as individual Harmonized System codes, country-of-origin declarations, or commercial invoices for their shipments.
• Eligibility for Exemption: To qualify for these exemptions, shipments must originate from a nonprofit organization, be sent to a military mail address or designated location approved by the Department of Defense, and contain only humanitarian care items intended for the comfort and morale of military personnel.

Implementation

The United States Postal Service (USPS) would categorize exempted shipments as domestic mail for all rate, tariff, and customs purposes, regardless of where the package is being sent. Additionally, the USPS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection would be required to establish regulations for this process within 180 days of the bill's enactment.

Defining Humanitarian Care Packages

The bill defines "humanitarian care packages" as parcels containing goods meant solely for the comfort and morale of Armed Forces members serving outside the continental United States. It outlines that these packages may include items like personal supplies, comfort items, and letters of encouragement.

Impact on Nonprofit Organizations

The legislation recognizes the important role that nonprofit organizations play in providing support to military personnel through care packages and aims to reduce the burdens that have led to delays and increased costs in sending these morale-boosting shipments.

Relevant Companies

None found