Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments and New Postal Informal Entry Process
CBP indefinitely suspends the de minimis exemption for mail shipments and introduces a new Postal Informal Entry process, requiring formal customs entry for most imported postal packages.
Aforeworn detected this change in the Small Cross-Border Importers space on July 5, 2026 and published this briefing so affected operators are forewarned rather than caught off guard. It is rated High urgency. Small cross-border importers, especially China-sourced sellers, apparel importers, electronics importers, and dropship-to-DTC businesses using postal mail shipments. should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: Effective immediately upon publication (June 24, 2026). No grace period.. Acting after that point can mean penalties, a lapsed licence, or lost eligibility — exactly the kind of surprise Aforeworn exists to prevent. Aforeworn monitors Small Cross-Border Importers continuously and turns every detected change into a plain-English briefing like this one, so you always know first. Forewarned is forearmed.
What changed
The de minimis exemption (Section 321, $800 duty-free threshold) is indefinitely suspended for mail shipments. All postal imports must now go through a new Postal Informal Entry process with formal customs declarations, duties, and fees.
Who it affects
Small cross-border importers, especially China-sourced sellers, apparel importers, electronics importers, and dropship-to-DTC businesses using postal mail shipments.
What you must do
Stop using de minimis for postal shipments; register for the new Postal Informal Entry process; ensure all shipments have proper customs documentation and duty payments.
Deadline
Effective immediately upon publication (June 24, 2026). No grace period.
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