Customs Tests Digital Paperwork for Your International Mail
Published Date: 6/24/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting September 22, 2026, U.S. Customs is testing a new electronic way to handle small packages coming through international mail. This new process, called Informal Mail Entry, affects anyone sending or receiving mail shipments and aims to make customs faster and clearer, especially since duty-free rules for items under $800 are paused. The test will run until further notice, and feedback is welcome throughout.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
De Minimis Duty-Free Mail Exemption Suspended
CBP has indefinitely suspended the duty-free de minimis administrative exemption for international mail under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) that previously applied to articles valued at $800 or less. That suspension is in effect pursuant to Executive Orders cited in the notice.
New Electronic Informal Entry (Type 13)
Starting September 22, 2026, CBP will test a new electronic informal entry called Entry Type 13 for international mail shipments valued at $2,500 or less. The test lets owners, purchasers, and properly appointed licensed customs brokers file informal mail entries electronically in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).
Bond Requirement for Type 13 Filings
To file an Entry Type 13 informal mail entry, the importer of record (owner, purchaser, or appointed licensed broker) must have a basic importation and entry bond (single transaction bond or a continuous bond) as required by 19 CFR 113.62. If a broker is appointed as the importer of record, the broker's bond will be obligated for the entry.
New Data Filing Requirements
Entry Type 13 filers must electronically transmit specific data in ACE, including filer code, IOR number, merchandise description, country of origin, all applicable 10-digit HTSUS classifications (including Chapters 98 and 99), duty rate, value, total duty owed, carrier name, foreign-post tracking number, and arrival port. Shipments subject to Partner Government Agency (PGA) data rules or duties beyond Chapters 1-97 must also transmit required additional data.
Temporary Waivers Let More Low-Value Shipments Use Informal Entry
For test participants, CBP will waive certain formal-entry requirements so some low-value international mail shipments that otherwise would require formal entry (including some shipments subject to PGA rules or duties outside Chapters 1-97) can be filed informally under Entry Type 13. Shipments subject to antidumping/countervailing duties (AD/CVD) or quotas remain ineligible for informal entry.
Carrier Tracking on Manifests (Optional)
Carriers transporting international mail may opt into the test to report the foreign-post tracking number for each arriving mail shipment on their manifest. If both the carrier and the entry filer participate, CBP can match tracking numbers to confirm arrival times and that an entry was timely filed.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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