IRS Slashes Interest on Late Customs Duties This Quarter

2026-20650, Low-Value Shipments

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing new rules to make importing low-value goods (under $2,500) easier and more electronic, especially for mail shipments. They want to add new data requirements for carriers and require bonds for some shipments to keep things safe and smooth. If you’re involved in shipping or receiving small packages, get ready to adapt by December 7, 2026, when comments on these changes close.

2026-17390, Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest for Rail Cargo

Starting October 26, 2026, all rail cargo leaving the U.S. must have its export info sent electronically through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). This new rule helps Customs keep cargo safe and makes trade smoother for rail exporters. Rail companies and exporters should get ready because enforcement begins a year later, on October 26, 2027.

2026-12669, Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments and New Postal Informal Entry Process

Starting July 24, 2026, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is stopping the $800 tax-free rule for mail shipments coming into the U.S. Instead, a new process will handle these packages to better track and tax imports. This change affects anyone sending or receiving international mail and aims to protect U.S. revenue from unpaid duties.

2026-12670, Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Merchandise Arriving Through All Modes Other Than the International Postal Network

Starting June 24, 2026, small shipments worth $800 or less arriving by anything but the international postal network will no longer skip customs checks. This means everyone importing these goods must follow formal or informal entry rules, which could mean more paperwork and possible fees. If you’re a shopper, seller, or shipper using other delivery methods, get ready for this change and share your thoughts by July 24, 2026!

2026-20228, Agency Information Collection Activities; Court-Ordered Refunds Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act Worksheet

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is asking for public feedback on a form they use to handle court-ordered refunds under a special emergency law. This update keeps the paperwork clear and efficient for businesses and agencies involved. Comments are open until November 4, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!

2026-20229, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Collection of Information; Client Representative Technical Assistance Portal (CR-TAP)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is launching a new online portal called CR-TAP to help client representatives get technical assistance faster and easier. They’re asking for public feedback by November 2, 2026, before finalizing the system. This change aims to improve communication without adding extra costs or paperwork burdens.

Previous: 2025-02227, Ampersand Gilman Hydro, LP; Notice of Reasonable Period of Time for Water Quality Certification Application

Ampersand Gilman Hydro, LP asked Vermont to check if their project meets water quality rules on January 24, 2025. Vermont has one year, until January 24, 2026, to say yes or no. If Vermont doesn’t respond by then, it’s like they said yes automatically, so the project can move forward without delay.

Next: 2025-02229, Notice of Cancellation of Task Force on Research on Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women Meeting

The meeting of the Task Force on Research on Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women, planned for February 10, 2025, has been canceled and will be rescheduled later. This affects members of the Task Force and anyone following their work, but no money or deadlines are changing right now. Stay tuned for the new date to keep up with this important work!