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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-12670, 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!
2026-12669, 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.
2026-20228, 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 / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12667, Information Collection; Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) Repository
The General Services Administration (GSA) is planning a new system to collect and share Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) that show how well products meet accessibility rules. This affects companies and agencies that make or use accessible technology, helping everyone find and check these reports easily. Comments on this plan are open until August 24, 2026, with no immediate costs but smoother accessibility checks ahead.
Next: 2026-12671, Initiation of Section 301 Investigation; Hearing; and Request for Public Comments: Germany's Persistent Underpayment for Innovative Pharmaceutical Products
The U.S. is launching an investigation into Germany for not paying enough for new, innovative medicines. This could lead to changes in trade rules and possibly impact drug prices or tariffs. Public comments and a hearing will happen between June and September 2026, so everyone affected—especially pharmaceutical companies and patients—should pay attention!