CBP Extends Deadline for New International Mail Entry Requirements to January 2027

CBP Extends Deadline for New International Mail Entry Requirements to January 2027 

CBP has extended the compliance deadline for new informal entry procedures for certain international mail shipments from October 22, 2026, to January 20, 2027. 

The 90-day extension gives importers, customs brokers and logistics providers more time to adapt their processes and helps avoid disruptions to affected postal shipments entering the United States. 

Beginning January 20, 2027, international postal shipments subject to Section 201, 232 or 301 duties, or falling under the jurisdiction of a Partner Government Agency (PGA), must be filed electronically through the Automated Commercial Environment using the new Entry Type 13 process to qualify for informal entry. Otherwise, formal entry will be required. 

The requirements were previously outlined in CBP’s June 24 interim final rule on the suspension of the de minimis exemption for mail shipments and new postal informal entry procedures, alongside a Federal Register notice establishing a test of the new electronic entry process. 

International mail entry procedures will remain unchanged before January 20, 2027. During the transition period, CBP encourages filers to use the optional Entry Type 13 process to prepare for mandatory implementation. 

CBP said the electronic filing requirements are intended to improve its ability to identify threats and prevent contraband from entering the country through international mail. 

“CBP is focused on securing our borders and using advance data to identify threats in international mail before they reach American communities,” said Susan S. Thomas, Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Trade. “These requirements will close gaps that have been exploited by criminals to smuggle contraband sent through international mail.” 

The agency has also proposed expanding the new entry and data requirements to all international mail packages, except letters and flats. That proposal was included in the October 8 notice of proposed rulemaking titled “Low-Value Shipments.” 

The proposed expansion would bring international mail procedures into closer alignment with informal entry requirements for other cargo modes. 

“These requirements will help create a more secure international mail stream, strengthening both our economic and national security,” said Diane J. Sabatino, Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Field Operations. “Advance electronic data will help CBP identify and stop illegal and unsafe shipments before they enter the United States.” 

CBP will continue to provide guidance, resources and direct support to help the trade community prepare for the new requirements. Importers, brokers and logistics providers are encouraged to use the additional transition time to assess their filing processes and prepare for the January 20, 2027 deadline. 

Reference: 

International Mail Entry Type 13 mandatory implementation date extended to Jan. 20, 2027 | U.S. Customs and Border Protection