Certain postal entry requirements deferred to January 20, 2027
Compliance for certain postal entry requirements involving partner agencies, HTS Chapters 98/99 or specified duty-free claims is deferred to 2027-01-20. The extension does not restore the $800 exemption; budget for applicable duties and confirm the entry route with your carrier.
Our read
The extension moves two formal-entry requirements to January 20, 2027; duty is still collected, so this is not a softening. After that date eligible apparel parcels can still use the Type 13 electronic postal entry test instead of formal entry. Our view: ask your carrier which route it will use next year and what each entry costs before deciding whether to stock in the US.
Key dates
- Published; Further extension announced on the original compliance deadline
- We checked the official text
- upcomingDeferred compliance date for the two formal-entry provisions; eligible goods may use the Type 13 test alternative
Who is affected
- Importers of international mail subject to partner-agency import requirements, such as product-safety information, that need time to adapt filing systems.
- Importers of mail subject to Chapter 98/99 duties or claiming duty-free treatment under Chapter 98 or a free trade agreement. Apparel with Section 301 duty falls within this scope.
- Only the two specified formal-entry requirements are deferred. This is not a blanket postal extension and does not provide the same relief to express, quota or antidumping/countervailing shipments.
What to do
- Ask the carrier whether your goods fall under 19 CFR 145.12(a)(2)(v) or (vi) and document the filing route actually in use.
- Before January 20, 2027, confirm whether the Type 13 electronic informal-entry test remains available for your goods. Otherwise arrange the formal-entry filer and quote.
- Keep applicable duties in the budget and prepare the data, appointment documents and bond arrangement needed after the delay; this is not tax relief.
What the official text says
The compliance date for 19 CFR 145.12(a)(2)(v) and (vi) is January 20, 2027.
Accordingly, at the end of the delayed compliance window, filers may choose to file formal entry (in accordance with 19 CFR 145.12(a)(2)(v) and (vi)) or participate in the Entry Type 13 test for eligible shipments.