Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments and New Postal Informal Entry Process

Brief takeaway: Low-value mail shipments that previously came in duty-free under the $800 de minimis exemption may now require formal handling under a new postal informal entry process.

What changed: According to the notice, CBP is amending its regulations to indefinitely suspend the de minimis administrative exemption for imports valued at $800 or less that arrive through the international postal network. The notice also states that CBP is establishing a new postal informal entry process for certain merchandise entering the United States through the mail environment.

Who's affected: The notice cites imports valued at $800 or less that arrive through the international postal network — that is, goods coming in via the mail environment. Specific product types, HTS chapters, or countries of origin are not named in the notice text provided.

What to review:
- Review whether shipments your business receives through the international mail network previously relied on the $800 de minimis exemption.
- Confirm with your customs broker how the new postal informal entry process may apply to your mail-environment imports.
- Check the effective date and any transition timing before shipments arrive.
- Review whether duties, fees, or additional entry data may now be relevant for low-value mail shipments.

This is general information, not legal advice and not a compliance determination — confirm specifics with a licensed customs broker or trade counsel.