TREE Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8744
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Foreign Trade and International Finance
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-12: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T08:09:08Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The TREE Act aims to restrict the entry into the U.S. market of goods linked to deforestation by banning their import and interstate sale starting in 2029. It seeks to address environmental concerns tied to forest loss from agricultural and commodity production.
Key Provisions
- Prohibitions: Beginning January 1, 2029, operators and traders may not import "deforestation goods" or introduce, manufacture, sell, trade, or advertise them in U.S. interstate commerce. False labeling or records about such goods is also prohibited.
- Due Diligence Requirements: Importers of covered commodities must submit statements to Customs and Border Protection detailing product descriptions, suppliers, origin data (including geolocation for higher-risk sources), and evidence that items are deforestation-free.
- Country Risk Categorization: The U.S. Trade Representative must classify countries (and regions within them) as Level I (high risk), Level II (moderate), or Level III (low) every two years based on deforestation rates, agricultural expansion, and related factors. Interim classifications apply until formal lists are issued.
- Enforcement and Penalties: Violations trigger civil fines up to 4% of prior-year U.S. revenue, confiscation of goods, temporary bans on federal contracts or funding, and possible import prohibitions for serious or repeat offenses. Inspection rates increase for higher-risk countries (9% for Level I, 3% for Level II, 1% for Level III).
- International Assistance: The State Department prioritizes aid to Level I countries, and half of collected penalties fund deforestation management support for developing nations.
- Covered Items: The rules apply to cattle, cocoa, palm oil, rubber, soy, wood, and products derived from them if linked to post-2020 deforestation or forest degradation.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This legislation creates new federal restrictions on imports and domestic sales not previously required under U.S. trade or environmental statutes. It introduces mandatory due diligence statements and a formal country risk classification system administered by the U.S. Trade Representative, expanding beyond current customs processes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Customs and Border Protection gains expanded inspection and documentation duties; the U.S. Trade Representative handles biannual risk assessments; the Interior Department enforces interstate sales rules; and multiple agencies collaborate on regulations.
- Citizens and Consumers: Availability and pricing of affected goods (such as beef, chocolate, soy products, and wood items) could shift as supply chains adapt.
- International Relations: Trade flows with producing countries may change, particularly those classified as high-risk, with possible diplomatic engagement to lower risk levels.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Importers, manufacturers, traders, and suppliers of covered commodities and products.
- Exporting countries and their agricultural sectors.
- U.S. federal agencies involved in trade, customs, and foreign assistance.
- Consumers of everyday items made from cattle, cocoa, palm oil, rubber, soy, or wood.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill establishes civil penalties tied to company revenue and potential import bans, raising questions about enforcement scope and due process. It creates a new regulatory framework that could intersect with existing trade agreements and international environmental commitments, such as those under the Paris Agreement.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (25)
Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Casar, Greg [D-TX-35], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-12: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-05-12: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-05-12: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-05-12: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Trade Responsibly for Environmental Emissions Act — issued 2026-05-12 — PDF (18 pages)