Duty-free de minimis pause means international mail meets more paperwork
Published Date: 10/22/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting January 20, 2027, anyone sending or receiving international mail shipments valued at $2,500 or less will need to follow a new, official entry process because the old 'de minimis' duty-free exemption is paused indefinitely. This change affects importers and postal customers who must now comply with updated customs rules, giving them more time to get ready. It could mean more paperwork but helps keep trade fair and secure.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
De Minimis Exemption Suspended for Mail Shipments
CBP indefinitely suspended the de minimis administrative exemption for merchandise arriving through the international postal network effective June 24, 2026, and established a new informal entry process for mail shipments valued at $2,500 or less. Shipments at or below the $2,500 threshold must now follow the new entry procedures instead of the prior de minimis treatment.
Certain Postal Shipments Require Formal Entry
Merchandise arriving by international mail that is subject to Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements, subject to duties under Chapter 98 or Chapter 99 of the HTSUS, or for which duty-free treatment is claimed under Chapter 98 or a Free Trade Agreement is ineligible for the postal informal entry process and must follow formal entry procedures. CBP previously set a delayed compliance date for the formal entry requirements and has extended that compliance date to January 20, 2027.
Compliance Date Extended to January 20, 2027
CBP extended the compliance date for 19 CFR 145.12(a)(2)(v) and (vi) to January 20, 2027. This gives importers, brokers, and logistics providers more time to update systems and procedures before those provisions take effect.
Voluntary Entry Type 13 Electronic Test Available
CBP announced a voluntary electronic mail process called the Entry Type 13 test for eligible shipments valued at $2,500 or less; the Entry Type 13 test began on September 22, 2026. For eligible shipments, filers may choose Entry Type 13 instead of filing formal entry.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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