Key Takeaways
- CBP issued updated guidance on the new postal informal entry process for certain merchandise imported through the international postal network.
- Beginning July 24, 2026, importers and customs brokers generally must use CBP’s new postal informal entry procedures for eligible mailed shipments valued at $2,500 or less.
- Importers, purchasers, and customs brokers should evaluate shipment eligibility, required entry data, bond coverage, and monthly reporting and payment obligations.
The Bottom Line
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued updated global guidance for international mail following its June 24, 2026, interim final rule indefinitely suspending the de minimis administrative exemption under 19 U.S.C. §1321(a)(2)(C) for imports valued at $800 or less arriving through the international postal network. CBP states that most merchandise entering the United States through international mail has not been eligible for the de minimis exemption since the exemption was suspended for products of all countries under Executive Order (EO) 14324, and international mail shipments have been subject to an interim entry process.1
Effective July 24, 2026, merchandise imported by mail generally must be entered under the new postal informal entry process if it is valued at $2,500 or less and eligible for informal entry. CBP’s guidance explains who may use the process, what entry data must be submitted, and the related bond, reporting, and payment requirements. Entry filers will need to send required shipment and duty data to CBP by email using an Excel or CSV file. Payment generally will be made through the CBP International Mail Duty worksheet and Pay.gov, with reporting and payment due by the seventh day of the month following the package’s arrival.
The new process is significant for importers, e-commerce businesses, and customs brokers that handle low-value merchandise arriving through the international postal network. These parties may need to reassess shipment eligibility, classification and valuation data, broker authorization, bond coverage, and payment processes before the new process becomes effective. Beginning October 22, 2026, certain merchandise will be excluded from the new postal informal entry process, including merchandise involving Chapter 98, or Chapter 99 treatment, free trade agreement claims, and Partner Government Agency requirements.2
Action Items and Important Dates
- July 24, 2026: Importers and customs brokers should be using CBP’s new postal informal entry procedures for eligible mailed imports. As of this date, CBP stated that the updated guidance replaces prior guidance issued in relation to EO 14324 and subsequent modifications.
- July 24, 2026: Comments on CBP’s interim final rule were due.
- Monthly reporting deadline: Entry filers must transmit required entry data to CBP by email in Excel or CSV format by the seventh day of the month following the package’s arrival. Required data includes, among other items, filer code, bond number, merchandise description, country of origin, HTSUS classification, value, duty rate, total duty owed, carrier, tracking number, port, and arrival date.
- Monthly payment deadline: CBP’s guidance states that both pages of the CBP International Mail Duty worksheet must be submitted by the seventh day of the month following the package’s arrival, and payment is generally made through Pay.gov.
- September 22, 2026: CBP’s test of Entry Type 13 – Informal Mail Entry begins. The test is intended to allow voluntary participation in a new electronic informal entry process for merchandise entering through international mail.
- October 22, 2026: Certain categories of merchandise become excluded from the new postal informal entry process, including merchandise for which Chapter 98 treatment or free trade agreement treatment is claimed, merchandise subject to Chapter 98 or Chapter 99 duties, and merchandise subject to Partner Government Agency requirements.
Merchandise ineligible for the new postal informal entry process must be entered under another appropriate entry process, such as Entry Type 13, where available, or formal entry.
- 1EO 14324 was followed by EO 14388 issued February 20, 2026 continuing the suspension. Furthermore, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act statutorily terminates the de minimis exemption effective July 1, 2027.
- 2In general, Chapter 98 covers situations such as U.S. goods that are returned, repairs and alterations, temporary imports, personal effects, and government imports. Chapter 99 implements temporary tariff measures, quota-related provisions, and other special duty programs.