New informal entry process for international mail
The postal de minimis suspension was codified from June 24; the remaining provisions, including a new informal entry process for eligible mail, took effect July 24. Some entry requirements have a transition period; see the October 22 update for the latest compliance date.
Our read
$2,500 is the ceiling for postal informal entry, not a duty-free limit. Apparel carries Chapter 99 duties, so from January 20, 2027 it needs formal entry or the Type 13 electronic postal entry test. If you ship by mail, ask your carrier before shipping who files, who pays the duty and what each entry costs.
Key dates
- Published; The provision codifying indefinite postal de minimis suspension takes effect
- Remaining provisions take effect; public comments also close
- Original compliance date for certain formal-entry requirements; a later notice extends it to January 20, 2027
- We checked the official text
Who is affected
- Sellers using international mail for shipments valued at $2,500 or less. This is an informal-entry value ceiling, not a new duty-free allowance.
- Mail subject to Chapter 98/99 duties or other government-agency requirements has separate transition provisions. Section 301 duty on ordinary apparel falls in Chapter 99.
- Goods above the ceiling or subject to quotas or antidumping/countervailing measures cannot use this route merely by being low-value. Express shipments fall under the separate nonpostal rule.
Run the numbers
| Component | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| General duty | $20 × 16.5% | $3.30 |
| Additional duties | 7.5% China Section 301 + 12.5% new Section 301 = 20% | $4.00 |
| Total duty | $20 × 36.5% | $7.30 |
What to do
- Confirm whether the carrier uses this rule’s postal informal process or the later Type 13 electronic informal-entry test; their eligibility conditions differ.
- Prepare product, material, origin, full tariff codes, value and postal tracking number, and confirm who submits data and remits duty.
- Use the October 22 extension to check the route after January 20, 2027, and request separate prices for duty, filing services and bonding.
What the official text says
This document also establishes a new postal informal entry process for certain merchandise entering the United States through the mail environment.
Merchandise released under a mail informal entry will be dutiable at the rates of duty in effect when the preparation of the entry is completed.
Preparation of the entry is completed when the entry is properly transmitted to CBP.