U.S. Ends Tax-Free Mail Shipments Starting This July
Published Date: 6/24/2026
Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Ends $800 Duty-Free Mail Rule
Starting July 24, 2026, CBP is indefinitely suspending the de minimis administrative exemption that allowed imports valued at $800 or less arriving through the international postal network to enter duty-free. This change applies to mail shipments and is intended to require entry and duty collection where those shipments previously qualified for the $800 de minimis exemption.
New Postal Informal Entry Process
CBP establishes a new postal informal entry process for merchandise entering the United States through the mail valued at $2,500 or less, effective July 24, 2026. The new process includes eligibility rules, bonding requirements, and new data requirements for parties using the postal informal entry procedure.
Formal Entry for Certain Mail Goods
Shipments arriving through the international postal network that are subject to Chapter 99 duties, quotas, antidumping/countervailing duty orders, Partner Government Agency data requirements, or claims of duty-free treatment under Chapter 98 or a Free Trade Agreement generally must use formal entry. CBP provided a delayed compliance period during which certain such shipments may use the postal informal entry process until the specified compliance date.
Gift and Traveler Exemptions Preserved
The rule does not change the existing exemptions for bona fide gifts (under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(A)) or personal or household articles accompanying travelers (under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(B)). These exemptions remain available after the suspension of the $800 de minimis exemption for mail shipments.
Delayed Compliance for Certain Postal Rules
Certain regulatory obligations in 19 CFR 145.12(a)(2)(v) and (vi) have a compliance date of October 22, 2026, while the interim final rule itself is effective July 24, 2026 (with one instruction effective June 24, 2026). Comment submissions are due by July 24, 2026. These staggered dates affect when different parts of the new mail-entry rules must be complied with.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12668 — Test of the New Electronic Informal Entry Process for Mail
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.
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!
2026-11566 — Accreditation and Approval of AmSpec, LLC (South Portland, ME) as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory
AmSpec, LLC in South Portland, ME, is officially approved to measure and test petroleum products for U.S. Customs starting September 10, 2025. This means businesses dealing with petroleum can trust AmSpec’s work for the next three years, with the next check-up scheduled for 2028. No extra costs or changes for customers are expected—just reliable, official testing and gauging services.
2026-11565 — Notice of Revocation of Customs Brokers' Licenses
Customs brokers who didn’t file their required status reports by February 29, 2024, had their licenses canceled automatically. This affects brokers across various U.S. ports, meaning they can’t legally work until they fix this. If you’re one of them, act fast to avoid losing business and money!
2026-11564 — Accreditation and Approval of AmSpec, LLC (Mickleton, NJ) as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory
AmSpec, LLC in Mickleton, NJ, just got the green light to measure and test petroleum products for U.S. Customs starting September 29, 2025. This approval lasts three years, helping ensure accurate fuel checks and smooth trade. Businesses dealing with petroleum can trust AmSpec’s certified skills, with the next review set for September 2028—no extra costs announced.
2026-11563 — Accreditation and Approval of AmSpec, LLC (Signal Hill, CA) as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory
AmSpec, LLC in Signal Hill, CA, just got the green light to measure and test petroleum products for U.S. Customs starting November 20, 2025. This approval lasts three years, helping importers and exporters trust their fuel checks are spot-on. No extra costs or changes for businesses, but keep an eye out for the next inspection in November 2028!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12654 — Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of O-Desmethyltramadol in Schedule I
Starting July 24, 2026, O-desmethyltramadol (also called O-DSMT) will be temporarily placed in Schedule I, meaning it’s treated like the most tightly controlled drugs. This affects anyone who makes, sells, studies, or even just possesses it, bringing strict rules and penalties. The move aims to keep people safe while the government studies the drug more closely.
Next: 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!