CBP Proposes New Filing Rules for Low-Value Shipments
CBP proposes new entry filing rules for shipments valued at $2,500 or less, including mandatory electronic filing for certain informal entries and a new electronic mail entry type. The proposal also adds some data and bond requirements.
What this affects
The update
CBP has issued a proposed rule for low-value shipments. It would change filing requirements for informal entries covering goods valued at $2,500 or less, create a new electronic informal entry type for merchandise entering through the mail, require an additional carrier data element for mail shipments, and impose bonding requirements for certain informal entries.
For informal entry type 11, CBP proposes to require electronic filing upon or prior to the date of importation instead of allowing the traditional filing window after arrival. The proposal would also require identification of the final deliver-to party if different from the ultimate consignee on the entry summary. CBP states the same requirements described for type 11 would also apply to type 12 entries.
For mail shipments valued at $2,500 or less, CBP proposes a new electronic informal mail entry type, referred to as entry type 13. The proposal is tied to CBP's broader effort to process low-value shipments electronically, collect entry data earlier, and strengthen revenue protection and enforcement in the low-value environment.
This is a notice of proposed rulemaking, not a final rule. Comments are due by December 7, 2026.
Impact
This proposal could raise compliance work for importers and service providers handling low-value shipments, especially in e-commerce and mail channels. Earlier electronic filing, added data fields, and bond requirements could affect broker workflows, release timing, and cash flow planning for high-volume informal entries.
What to watch
The document is only a proposal, so the final requirements may change. The excerpt provided does not state a final effective date or spell out the detailed bond terms, so it is easy to overread this as an immediate change when it is not.
How to prepare
- 1Map low-value entry flows
Identify shipments now using informal entry procedures and separate mail from non-mail channels.
- 2Review filer data fields
Check whether systems can capture final deliver-to party and other required shipment data.
- 3Assess bond exposure
Estimate which informal entries could need bonds and how that may affect cost and setup.
- 4Coordinate with brokers and carriers
Confirm who will file the entry data and who will provide mail-related carrier information.
Sources
- Low-Value Shipments · Federal Register · October 8, 2026
We summarize published reporting and official notices. Always confirm rates and dates against the Federal Register or your customs broker before acting on them.