June 29, 1767

Parliament Passes Townshend Duties

Charles Townshend's proposals are enacted without opposition in either house of Parliament. They create new "external" duties on exports of glass, paper, pasteboard, white and red lead, painters' colors, and tea, all payable upon importation into the American colonies. They also create new revenue collection and enforcement mechanisms, such as writs of assistance and a Board of Customs Commissioners located in Boston. Townshend dies less than three months later.