119-HR-4930 Journalist Public Summary
119 · HR 4930 To expand the sharing of information with respect to suspected violations of intellectual property rights in trade.
H.R. 4930 lets Customs and Border Protection (CBP) share more detailed—and in some cases nonpublic—information about suspected counterfeit imports with brands, online marketplaces, shippers, and other stakeholders; the House passed it on April 27, 2026, and the measure now moves to the Senate. (govinfo.gov)
Public Summary: H.R. 4930 (119th Congress) — Sharing Information on Suspected Counterfeits
Headline Summary: A bipartisan bill to help CBP work with brands, marketplaces, and shippers by sharing more information about shipments suspected of being counterfeit. (govinfo.gov)
What It Does: The bill updates Section 628A of the Tariff Act to (1) raise the trigger to when CBP “has a reasonable suspicion,” (2) expand what can be shared (images and details not just of the goods but also packaging, packing materials, containers, and labels), (3) allow CBP to provide certain nonpublic information generated by online marketplaces, express carriers, or freight forwarders, with notice to the rights holder, and (4) widen who can receive information to “any other party with an interest” as the CBP Commissioner deems appropriate. In short, it broadens lawful information‑sharing to help determine if a shipment violates trademark or copyright law. (govinfo.gov)
Why It Matters: Supporters argue it will speed up border enforcement against fakes that can endanger consumers and undercut U.S. businesses—pointing to CBP’s reported FY2024 seizures of more than 32 million counterfeit and pirated items valued at over $5 billion (if genuine). (inta.org)
- Who’s For It: House sponsors Rep. Blake Moore (R‑UT) and Rep. Brad Schneider (D‑IL); the bill advanced from the Ways & Means Committee 40–0 and passed the House on April 27, 2026 by voice vote. (congress.gov)
- Industry coalitions including the International Trademark Association (INTA), American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), and International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition support the bill, saying clearer, faster data‑sharing will curb counterfeit trafficking and improve safety. (inta.org)
- In the Senate, a companion measure (S. 2677) led by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R‑IA) and Maggie Hassan (D‑NH) reflects the same approach. (congress.gov)
- Who’s Against It: No organized opposition surfaced in the House markup. However, civil‑liberties advocates have long warned that expanding government collection and sharing of nonpublic data—especially involving online platforms—can create privacy and due‑process risks if guardrails are weak (for example, concerns raised about CBP’s broader data practices). (eff.org)
- Importers and small sellers may worry that proprietary or personal information shared more widely could be misused or leak, suggesting the need for clear limits, notice rules, and accountability—issues the bill partly addresses through required notification when certain nonpublic data are transmitted. (govinfo.gov)
What’s Next: On April 27, 2026, the House passed H.R. 4930 under suspension of the rules by voice vote. The bill now heads to the Senate, where the related S. 2677 is pending consideration. (law360.com)
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