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De minimis is a minimum value set by countries, below which imported goods can enter the country without paying customs duties and, in some cases, taxes like VAT or GST. De minimis thresholds vary a lot between countries. For the United States it is $800 USD.

In the U.S., shipments qualifying for de minimis treatment are released using the manifest process. That process cannot be used for PGA-regulated commodities. Entry Type 86 allows filing through ABI (Automated Broker Interface) and can be used for PGA-regulated commodities. By allowing PGA-regulated low-value shipments in all modes of transport to enter the U.S. as Section 321, the Entry Type 86 cargo clearance process is significantly faster.

Section 321 shipments: 

• Are valued at US$800 or less
• Can enter the United States without a formal entry
• Are duty and tax-free
• Do not require a Customs bond

For Chinese-origin goods and goods from Hong Kong, the de minimis exemption was eliminated as of May 2, 2025.

Such shipments (valued at or under $800) are now subject to a duty rate of 120% of the value of the goods contained in the postal item, or a flat fee per item (e.g., $200 per item as of June 1, 2025), whichever applies, when shipped via the international postal network.

For low-value shipments imported by other methods (not postal), applicable duties under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (including IEEPA, Section 301, and general duties) now apply. There is no longer a blanket duty-free treatment for de minimis entries from China or Hong Kong These imports are treated like higher-value imports in terms of duty computation and entry requirements.

This means that the duty value for goods that would previously have entered the U.S. duty-free under the $800 de minimis threshold is now either 120% of the item’s value (postal shipments) or subject to all applicable U.S. tariff rates (non-postal), including IEEPA rates, which in some cases reach or exceed 10-25% depending on the goods and actions in place.

Entry Type 1 (Formal Entry) and Entry Type 11 (Informal Entry) are U.S. Customs entry classifications used to clear imported goods, each with differing requirements and thresholds.

Entry Type 1: Formal Entry

Used for: Shipments valued over $2,500, or for any goods subject to specific regulations (e.g., quotas, antidumping/countervailing duties, FDA or other agency oversight).

Process: Requires extensive documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, etc.), and a customs bond. The assistance of a licensed customs broker is often needed.

Entry Type 11: Informal Entry

Used for: Shipments valued at $2,500 or less that are not subject to complex regulations or quotas.

Process: Simplified documentation requirements (generally no customs bond required), lower processing fees, and faster clearance. Duties, taxes, and tariffs may still apply based on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).

Typical Users: Small businesses, individuals, or e-commerce importers bringing in low-value, non-restricted goods. Not all goods are eligible—certain restricted or controlled items (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, firearms) require a formal entry regardless of value.

Livingston can process multiple informal shipments (each valued at $2,500 or less) together logistically, usually when shipments arrive together by land, sea, or air. This typically speeds entry.

However, CBP regulations prohibit consolidating multiple Type 11 entries into a single entry summary, so each Entry Type 11 must be processed with its own individual entry summary.

An Express Consignment Carrier Facility (ECCF) is a specialized facility, authorized for inspection and clearing of express consignment shipments. Essentially functioning as bonded warehouses, ECCFs process large volumes of parcels entering the United States. ECCFs are mainly located at key ports of entry such as LAX, SFO, JFK. Fees are high at ECCFs and processing relatively slow due to the need for an onsite U.S. Customs officer to process all parcels.

When shipping directly into the U.S. by air, importers can avoid using an Express Consignment Carrier Facility (ECCF) and paying the high customs inspection fees. The faster and less costly alternative is a Container Freight Station (CFS). Pre-screened goods can be cleared through CFS facilities without the need for customs officials. Also, more complex entries like Partner Government Agency (PGA) regulated shipments can be cleared efficiently. And there are more CFSs at major airports than ECCFs. Together, these benefits shave days off entry into the U.S. and dollars off each transaction, sending parcels off to the mid-mile faster and more cost effectively.

We provide our customers with a full understanding of the data needed for returns and offer a step-by-step guided approach. We manage customs documentation and clearance, handling all paperwork, reclaiming duties, and ensuring seamless customs clearance. Additionally, we coordinate with your carrier or returns logistics provider for return shipments or disposal of goods.

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