CBP NPRM "Low-Value Shipments": overhaul of informal entry (≤$2,500, ET11) and new electronic informal mail entry (ET13) (comments due December 7, 2026)
CBP published a notice of proposed rulemaking (91 FR 64532; docket USCBP-2026-0298) to rework low-value shipment processing following the suspension of the de minimis exemption, amending 19 CFR parts 113, 128, 141, 143, and 145: (1) the informal entry (ET11) deadline would tighten from 15 days after arrival to on or prior to the date of importation, with a new final deliver-to party data element; (2) the $250 informal-entry eligibility cap for HTSUS Chapter 99 Subchapters III/IV goods (e.g., Section 232/301 goods) would be removed, so goods of $251–$2,500 would no longer be barred from informal entry; (3) mail shipments of $2,500 or less would be required to file via a new electronic informal mail entry type 13 (new data elements for filers and carriers), and mail articles not entered within 15 days of importation would be deemed voluntarily abandoned (processed per USPS procedures, possibly destroyed or returned); (4) all ET11/ET13 filers would need a basic importation and entry bond, with a $1,000 floor on liquidated damages. Proposed rule only — comments due December 7, 2026; not yet in effect and no tariff rates are changed.
Scope
Not tied to specific HTS lines — applies to low-value shipments valued at $2,500 or less (including Chapter 99 Subchapters III/IV goods, where informal entry would be opened for the $251–$2,500 range); amends 19 CFR parts 113, 128, 141, 143, 145
Old → new values
| Item | Old value | New value |
|---|---|---|
| Informal entry (ET11) filing deadline | Within 15 calendar days after landing/arrival (19 CFR 141.5) | Proposed: on or prior to the date of importation (proposed) |
| Informal entry eligibility for Chapter 99 Subchapters III/IV goods | Only goods valued at $250 or less qualified; goods of $251–$2,500 classified in Chapter 99 Subchapters III/IV (e.g., Section 232/301 goods) were barred from informal entry | Proposed removal of the $250 cap: such goods of $251–$2,500 would no longer be barred from informal entry (proposed) |
| Filing for low-value mail shipments | CBP officers manually prepare the mail entry form; the recipient pays duties, taxes, and fees afterwards through the Postal Service | Proposed: mandatory filing via new electronic informal mail entry type 13 (new data elements for filers and carriers); mail articles not entered within 15 days of importation deemed voluntarily abandoned (proposed) |
| Bonding for informal entries | Bonds required only in certain situations (the current informal postal entry process already requires one); most ET11 entries are unbonded | Proposed: all ET11/ET13 filers must obtain a basic importation and entry bond (STB or continuous, conditions per 19 CFR 113.62), with a $1,000 floor on liquidated damages (proposed) |