Logistics & shipments
CBP proposes electronic low-value entries and mail bonds
CBP's 8 October 2026 Low-Value Shipments notice is a proposal, not a new filing rule already in force. For affected informal imports valued at $2,500 or less, it proposes electronic Type 11 filing before or upon importation and a regulatory Type 13 process for international mail. Final deliver-to details, mail tracking data and importation bonds would become more important. Comments on docket USCBP-2026-0298 close on 7 December 2026; that is a comment deadline, not a compliance start date. The notice does not set a final implementation date or restore duty-free de minimis treatment.
What changed
The proposal would require electronic equivalents of CBP Forms 3461 and 7501, or Form 7501, through an authorized EDI system. The final deliver-to party and address would be required when different from the ultimate consignee.
Postal Type 13 would also require sender details; the carrier's manifest tracking number would need to match the entry's postal tracking number. CBP proposes single-transaction or continuous basic importation and entry bonds for the affected Type 11 and Type 13 entries.
A consignee that is not the owner or purchaser would generally need a licensed broker acting as importer of record, subject to the stated exceptions. Eligible value alone would not guarantee informal entry: CBP proposes broader discretion to require formal entry.
The existing Type 13 test and this proposed regulation are distinct; teams should separate current test obligations from possible final-rule changes.
Three checks for import teams
- Map affected non-postal Type 11 and postal flows, entry value, importer of record and the party entitled to make entry; confirm existing exceptions with your broker.
- Check whether your order, carrier and broker systems can supply final delivery-party/address, sender and matching postal tracking data before or upon importation; identify who would provide the bond.
- Track docket USCBP-2026-0298 through the 7 December comment deadline and any later final rule. Continue following applicable current CBP instructions rather than treating this proposal as operative.