U.S. CBP extends compliance date for certain international mail entries, modifies informal mail entry test
CBP provides additional time for certain international mail formal entry requirements and temporarily permits Entry Type 13 filings without complete electronic PGA data.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today released a final rule extending to January 20, 2027, the compliance date for certain formal entry requirements for merchandise entering the United States through the international postal network, as well as a related notice modifying the Entry Type 13 electronic informal entry test.
Background
CBP in June 2026 indefinitely suspended the de minimis administrative exemption for international mail shipments and established a new informal entry process for mail shipments valued at $2,500 or less. Certain shipments, including merchandise subject to Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements or duties under Chapters 98 or 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), and merchandise for which duty-free treatment is claimed under Chapter 98 or pursuant to a free trade agreement, are excluded from that informal process and generally must use formal entry procedures.
Compliance date extended to January 20, 2027
CBP has extended from October 22, 2026, to January 20, 2027, the compliance date for the formal entry requirements under 19 CFR 145.12(a)(2)(v) and (vi). The additional time is intended to allow importers, brokers, and logistics providers to update internal systems, develop policies and procedures for submitting required data, and develop the technological infrastructure necessary to comply.
During the extension, the existing informal mail entry process remains available. Importers and other parties that are prepared to meet the formal entry requirements may voluntarily comply before January 20, 2027. At the end of the delayed compliance period, filers of eligible shipments may file formal entry or participate in the Entry Type 13 test.
Entry Type 13 test modified
Separately, CBP is modifying its Entry Type 13 (informal mail entry) test, which began September 22, 2026, and provides an electronic informal entry option in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) for qualifying international mail shipments valued at $2,500 or less.
Under the modification, CBP will temporarily accept Entry Type 13 filings for shipments subject to PGA requirements with or without complete electronic PGA data. The change allows filers to begin using Entry Type 13 while developing the capability to submit all data required for complete electronic PGA submissions. CBP will announce the end of this temporary acceptance in a future Federal Register notice.