CBP moves the formal entry date for certain postal shipments to January 20, 2027 and modifies the Entry Type 13 test
In brief
CBP final rule 2026-21600 moves the compliance date for formal entry of certain postal shipments from October 22, 2026 to January 20, 2027. Notice 2026-21570 lets Entry Type 13 filers transmit with or without PGA data.
CBP published two documents in the Federal Register on October 22, 2026 that change how low-value international mail shipments are entered. A final rule, FR Doc. 2026-21600 (91 FR 66638), moves the compliance date for 19 C.F.R. §145.12(a)(2)(v) and (vi) from October 22, 2026 to January 20, 2027. A notice, FR Doc. 2026-21570 (91 FR 66707), modifies the Entry Type 13 test so that an entry can be transmitted with or without electronic Partner Government Agency (PGA) data, effective October 22, 2026.
Both documents concern postal shipments valued at $2,500 or less. The notice states that the Importer of Record (IOR) is the owner or purchaser of the merchandise, or a licensed customs broker appointed by the owner, purchaser, or consignee and acting as IOR.
What the final rule says
On June 24, 2026, CBP published an interim final rule (91 FR 37801) that indefinitely suspended the de minimis administrative exemption under 19 U.S.C. §1321(a)(2)(C) for merchandise arriving through the international postal network. It also created an informal entry process for postal shipments valued at $2,500 or less, authorized by 19 U.S.C. §1498(a)(1)(A). The suspension took effect on June 24, 2026, and the rest of that rule took effect on July 24, 2026.
Under 19 C.F.R. §145.12(a)(2)(v) and (vi), postal merchandise is ineligible for that informal process when it is subject to PGA requirements, subject to duties under Chapter 98 or Chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), or when duty-free treatment is claimed under Chapter 98 or a free trade agreement. The June rule had set compliance with those two paragraphs for October 22, 2026. The new final rule sets it for January 20, 2027.
CBP states that importers, brokers, and logistics providers in the postal network need additional time to update systems, develop procedures for submitting the data, and build the technology to comply. CBP issued the extension as a final rule under the good cause exception in 5 U.S.C. §553(b)(B), because the October 22 date would have passed before comments could be collected. The document adds no new substantive requirement.
What the notice says
The Entry Type 13 test, announced at 91 FR 38007 and begun on September 22, 2026, lets the IOR file an informal mail entry electronically in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) for shipments of $2,500 or less. The notice states that the IOR is the owner or purchaser, or the licensed broker appointed by the owner, purchaser, or consignee, acting as IOR.
Merchandise subject to duties under Chapter 98 or Chapter 99, or claiming duty-free treatment under Chapter 98 or a free trade agreement, must transmit the additional data those requirements mandate. The modification adds that CBP will temporarily accept an Entry Type 13 that is not accompanied by complete electronic PGA data. CBP says the end of that temporary acceptance will be announced in a later Federal Register notice. As of October 22, 2026, none has been published.
What is in effect and what is not
In effect: the suspension of the postal de minimis exemption since June 24, 2026; the informal mail entry process in 19 C.F.R. §145.12(b); the voluntary Entry Type 13 test since September 22, 2026; and the modified test, since October 22, 2026.
Not required until January 20, 2027: compliance with 19 C.F.R. §145.12(a)(2)(v) and (vi). Until then, the informal mail entry process from the June 24 rule stays in place. A party that already has the processes may comply before that date. At the end of the delay, filers may enter eligible shipments formally under those paragraphs or participate in the Entry Type 13 test.
The separate Low-Value Shipments proposed rule published October 8, 2026 is still a proposal, with comments due December 7, 2026. It is described in our summary of the Low-Value Shipments proposed rule.
Why it matters to importers
For postal shipments carrying duties outside Chapters 1 to 97, the notice gives Section 232, Section 201, and Section 301 duties as examples. Those shipments are part of the compliance date above. The Importer of Record page explains who may hold the role.
Tell us what you import and how your entries are filed today, and we’ll show you where you stand: see if you qualify or write to ship@iorusa.com.
Sources
- CBP, Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments and New Postal Informal Entry Process; Delayed Compliance Extension, final rule, 91 FR 66638, FR Doc. 2026-21600, October 22, 2026
- CBP, Modification of the Test of the New Electronic Informal Entry Process for Mail, notice, 91 FR 66707, FR Doc. 2026-21570, October 22, 2026
- Federal Register issue of October 22, 2026, 2026-21600 (govinfo)
- Federal Register issue of October 22, 2026, 2026-21570 (govinfo)
This post summarizes publicly available federal actions for general information. It is not legal advice. Requirements are subject to rulemaking and change. Verify current requirements against the Federal Register and CBP guidance.
See if your shipments qualify
Tell us what you import and how your entries are filed today, and we’ll show you where you stand. We reply to your work email within one business day. The full form has room for more detail.
