U.S. Postal Import Rules Changed on July 24, 2026: What Buyers Need to Know
Shipping a small package to the United States by international mail?
The information you prepare before shipping now matters more than before.
On July 24, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented a new postal informal entry process for certain merchandise entering the United States through the international postal network.
The change follows the suspension of the duty-free de minimis administrative exemption for merchandise valued at $800 or less.
For eligible postal shipments valued at $2,500 or less, the new process introduces more detailed customs-entry requirements than the temporary postal process that came before it.
For buyers sourcing products from China, the practical lesson is simple:
Product information should be confirmed before the parcel leaves China—not after it reaches U.S. Customs.
What Changed on July 24, 2026?
CBP published the rule titled:
“Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments and New Postal Informal Entry Process.”
The rule was published on June 24, 2026, with the main new postal informal entry process taking effect on July 24, 2026.
The rule indefinitely suspends the administrative de minimis exemption for merchandise valued at $800 or less arriving through the international postal network and establishes a new informal entry process for qualifying mail shipments valued at $2,500 or less.
What Was the Temporary Process Before July 24?
Before the new postal informal entry process took effect, qualifying international postal shipments were being handled under a temporary system established following earlier U.S. de minimis changes.
Under that interim process, covered postal shipments were generally assessed using a flat 10% ad valorem duty mechanism tied to the temporary import surcharge.
That temporary mechanism was designed to operate only until either the surcharge expired or CBP's new postal entry process took effect.
The July 24 implementation of the new process therefore marked an important transition from the temporary simplified system toward product-specific customs classification and applicable duty assessment.
Does This Mean Packages Under $800 Are Duty-Free Again?
No.
This is an important distinction.
The new postal informal entry process does not restore the former $800 de minimis administrative exemption for ordinary merchandise arriving through the international postal network.
CBP's rule indefinitely suspends that exemption for postal merchandise.
Instead, qualifying goods must use an appropriate customs-entry procedure and may be subject to applicable duties, taxes, and fees.
So buyers should not assume:
“My parcel is under $800, so there is no customs issue.”
That is no longer a safe assumption under the current framework.
What Is the New Postal Informal Entry Process?
The new process provides an informal-entry pathway for certain international mail shipments valued at $2,500 or less.
Informal entry is generally less complex than formal customs entry, but it still requires proper customs information and compliance.
Under CBP's rule, qualifying shipments must meet the requirements of the postal informal entry process.
Not every shipment valued below $2,500 automatically qualifies.
What Product Information Should Buyers Prepare?
For sourcing companies, exporters, and U.S. buyers, four product-level details deserve particular attention before shipping:
Description of Merchandise
Country of Origin
10-digit HTSUS Classification
Value
These are among the key data elements required under the new process.
Let's look at why each one matters.
1. Description of Merchandise
A vague description such as:
“Accessories”
or:
“Sample”
does not clearly explain what the package contains.
A better description identifies the actual merchandise.
For example:
Instead of:
Plastic item
use something more descriptive such as:
Plastic kitchen storage container
Instead of:
Pet product
use:
Polyester pet bed
Instead of:
Tool
use:
Stainless steel kitchen utensil
The description should accurately represent the actual merchandise.
The objective is not to make the description unnecessarily long.
It is to make it specific enough to identify what is being imported.
Why Is an Accurate Product Description Important?
Customs classification depends on understanding what the product actually is.
A vague description can make it harder to determine:
Product classification
Applicable duties
Regulatory requirements
Country-of-origin treatment
Whether additional information is needed
This is why product information should be prepared at the sourcing stage rather than treated as a last-minute shipping task.
2. Country of Origin
The country of origin of the merchandise is another required data element under the new postal process.
For products sourced from China, buyers should make sure the origin information used for customs purposes accurately reflects the merchandise.
Country of origin can affect:
Duty treatment
Trade measures
Customs reporting
Product marking requirements
It should not be confused with:
The country the parcel is mailed from
The location of the warehouse
The nationality of the seller
For example, moving Chinese-origin merchandise through another country does not automatically change its customs origin.
Origin determination can become more complicated for products manufactured or processed in multiple countries, so buyers should seek professional customs guidance when necessary.
3. 10-Digit HTSUS Classification
One of the biggest practical changes is the increased importance of product classification.
The new process requires all applicable 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) classifications for qualifying shipments.
The HTSUS code tells U.S. Customs what type of product is being imported.
Different products can have different:
Base duty rates
Special tariff treatment
Additional duties
Import requirements
Two products with a similar purchase price can therefore have very different customs costs.
Why Should Buyers Care About the HTS Code Before Ordering?
Imagine two products both cost $5 from the supplier.
Product A and Product B may fall under completely different HTSUS classifications.
Their customs treatment may therefore differ.
This means the true sourcing cost is not simply:
Factory price + freight
A more complete calculation may include:
Product cost + packaging + freight + duties + customs-related costs + fulfillment
This is why product classification increasingly belongs in the sourcing discussion.
Can the Supplier Choose the HTSUS Code?
Suppliers may provide suggested HS codes based on their export experience.
But buyers should not automatically treat a supplier's suggested code as the final U.S. classification.
The U.S. HTSUS classification should reflect the actual merchandise and applicable U.S. customs rules.
When classification is unclear or commercially important, buyers should consult an experienced customs broker or other qualified trade professional.
A sourcing agent can help collect product specifications.
The customs professional can then use that information to determine the appropriate classification.
What Product Details Help Determine HTSUS Classification?
Depending on the product, useful information may include:
Product name
Material
Function
Dimensions
Composition
Intended use
Main components
Photos
Product specifications
For example, describing an item simply as:
“Storage product”
may not provide enough information.
Knowing whether it is:
Plastic
Textile
Metal
Furniture
Household ware
can affect classification.
Accurate sourcing specifications therefore also support accurate import documentation.
4. Product Value
The value of the merchandise is also required under the postal informal entry process.
The declared value should reflect the applicable customs valuation rules.
Buyers should not deliberately undervalue shipments simply to reduce duties.
Incorrect valuation can create customs problems and additional risk.
Relevant commercial documents may include:
Supplier invoice
Purchase order
Commercial invoice
Payment record
Clear purchasing records make customs preparation easier.
Are These the Only Four Required Fields?
No.
This point is important.
The four items above are the most relevant product information for buyers and sourcing teams to prepare early.
However, the formal CBP postal entry data requirements contain additional fields.
The rule identifies information including:
Filer code
Bond number
Merchandise description
Country of origin
Applicable 10-digit HTSUS classification
Quantity or weight when required
Duty rate
Value
Total duty owed
Carrier
Flight or conveyance number
Tracking number
Arrival port
Arrival date
Many of these fields are handled by the filer, carrier, customs broker, or logistics provider rather than by the product supplier.
But buyers should understand that the customs process now relies on more detailed shipment data.
Who Can File Under the New Process?
CBP states that the new postal informal entry process is limited to parties that have the right to make entry.
This may include the owner or purchaser of the merchandise or a properly designated licensed customs broker.
The rule also establishes bonding requirements for shipments using this postal informal entry process.
For many overseas sellers, this makes coordination with an experienced carrier, postal operator, logistics provider, or customs broker especially important.
Does Every Shipment Under $2,500 Qualify?
No.
The $2,500 value threshold alone does not guarantee eligibility.
Under the standard new postal informal entry process, certain merchandise can require formal entry instead.
Examples identified by CBP include merchandise subject to:
Quotas
Antidumping or countervailing duty orders
Certain Chapter 98 or Chapter 99 duties
Certain Partner Government Agency requirements
Certain other special customs treatments
CBP also introduced a delayed compliance period and a separate voluntary Entry Type 13 test that can affect the available filing route for some categories.
Because these rules can depend heavily on the specific product, importers should verify the applicable entry method with their carrier or customs broker before shipping.
What About Products Regulated by Other U.S. Agencies?
Some products may involve requirements from agencies beyond CBP.
Depending on the category, this can affect products such as:
Food-related products
Medical products
Certain children's products
Cosmetics
Electronic products
Other regulated goods
The exact requirements depend on the merchandise.
A low shipment value does not automatically remove product-compliance obligations.
That is why product category should be understood before the shipment is prepared.
Why Does This Matter for China Sourcing?
Previously, some buyers treated customs information as something to deal with only after purchasing the product.
That approach is becoming increasingly risky.
A better sourcing sequence is:
Product selection
↓
Product specifications
↓
Check likely classification and compliance requirements
↓
Confirm purchasing cost
↓
Confirm packaging and shipping method
↓
Prepare accurate customs information
↓
Ship
Customs planning should become part of purchasing—not an afterthought.
What Should U.S. Buyers Ask Before Ordering From China?
For every product, buyers should try to confirm:
Product
What exactly is the item?
What material is it made from?
What is its main function?
Origin
Where was it manufactured?
Classification
What HTSUS classification is likely to apply?
Does the importer or customs broker agree?
Value
What is the actual commercial value?
Compliance
Is the product subject to additional U.S. regulatory requirements?
Shipping
Will it travel by international mail, express courier, air freight, or ocean freight?
Which customs-entry process will apply?
These questions can reveal costs and requirements before the buyer commits to inventory.
What Should Sellers Shipping Small Parcels From China Do?
If your business regularly sends low-value parcels to U.S. customers, create a structured product information database.
For every SKU, record:
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Product | Plastic storage container |
| Material | PP plastic |
| Origin | China |
| HTSUS | Confirm with customs professional |
| Commercial value | Based on transaction |
| Weight | Recorded |
| Product photo | Stored |
| Supplier | Recorded |
| Regulatory notes | If applicable |
This reduces the need to recreate product information every time a shipment is prepared.
Why Are Clear Product Specifications More Important Now?
Many customs problems begin with incomplete sourcing information.
For example:
Supplier says:
“Kitchen product.”
Warehouse says:
“Plastic item.”
Invoice says:
“Household goods.”
Customs broker receives:
“Storage box.”
Now four parties are describing the same product differently.
A better approach is to maintain one clear product specification and use consistent information throughout the sourcing and shipping process.
Should Buyers Choose Products Based on Duty Rates?
Duty rates should be considered, but they should not be the only product-selection factor.
Buyers still need to consider:
Product demand
Quality
Supplier reliability
Selling price
Shipping volume
Packaging
Compliance
Return risk
Competition
However, customs cost should be included in the total sourcing calculation.
A product with a lower factory price is not necessarily more profitable after all import costs are included.
What Does This Mean for Small-Batch Sourcing?
Small-batch sourcing is still useful for testing products.
But small quantity does not mean customs information can be ignored.
Even when buyers test:
50 pieces
100 pieces
200 pieces
they should understand:
Product classification
Origin
Declared value
Import requirements
Shipping method
Testing inventory risk and managing customs risk are two different things.
Both should be considered.
Should You Use International Mail or Another Shipping Method?
There is no universal answer.
The right shipping method depends on:
Shipment value
Product category
Weight
Volume
Delivery time
Destination
Import requirements
Freight cost
International mail may be suitable for some shipments.
Express, air freight, or ocean freight may be more appropriate for others.
The new postal rules are one reason buyers should compare logistics options based on the complete shipment rather than simply choosing the cheapest quoted postage.
How Can a Sourcing Company Help?
A sourcing company is not a substitute for a licensed U.S. customs broker.
However, it can help prepare the China-side product information that the logistics and customs process depends on.
Depending on the project, sourcing support may include:
Confirming product specifications
Confirming supplier information
Collecting product descriptions
Confirming country of origin
Providing commercial documents
Recording quantities
Reviewing labels and packaging
Coordinating with freight partners
Consolidating orders
Arranging worldwide shipping
When customs classification or U.S. entry requirements are uncertain, buyers should confirm the final requirements with their carrier, customs broker, or other qualified trade professional.
A Practical Pre-Shipment Checklist
Before sending products from China to the United States, confirm:
Product Information
Accurate merchandise description
Material
Function
SKU
Quantity
Customs Information
Country of origin
Applicable HTSUS classification confirmed
Accurate value
Relevant regulatory requirements reviewed
Documents
Commercial invoice
Packing information
Required product records
Logistics
Shipping method confirmed
Carrier requirements checked
Customs-entry route confirmed
Customs broker involved when necessary
The objective is to identify missing information before the parcel is already in transit.
What Is the Main Lesson From the July 24 Rule?
The biggest lesson is not simply:
“The U.S. changed another customs rule.”
The bigger sourcing lesson is:
Product data is becoming part of logistics.
Buyers need to know more than:
Product price
MOQ
Lead time
They also need to understand:
What the product is
Where it comes from
How it is classified
What it is worth
How it will enter the destination market
The more accurately these details are prepared before shipping, the easier it becomes for logistics and customs professionals to handle the shipment correctly.
Conclusion
Beginning July 24, 2026, the United States implemented a new informal entry process for qualifying international postal shipments.
For eligible shipments valued at $2,500 or less, more detailed customs information now plays a central role in the entry process.
For buyers sourcing products from China, four product-level details deserve particular attention:
Description
Country of Origin
10-digit HTSUS Classification
Value
But these are not the only filing requirements, and not every shipment qualifies for informal postal entry.
The practical sourcing rule is simple:
Do not wait until shipping day to figure out your customs information.
Confirm the product details while the goods are still in China, and work with the appropriate logistics provider or customs professional before shipping when the entry requirements are unclear.
About Youshow
Youshow is a Yiwu-based sourcing company helping global buyers source and manage products from China.
Our services include:
Product sourcing
Supplier comparison and evaluation
Product specification confirmation
Sample collection
Finished-product quality inspection
Packaging and label confirmation
Small-quantity and mixed-product sourcing
OEM and ODM customization
Order consolidation
Export certification support
Worldwide shipping coordination
We help importers, wholesalers, retailers, Amazon sellers, and ecommerce businesses organize the China side of their sourcing process before products are shipped internationally.
For U.S.-bound orders, our team can help prepare clear product, quantity, packaging, supplier, and shipping information and coordinate with logistics partners. Final U.S. customs classification and entry requirements should be confirmed with the buyer's carrier or qualified customs professional where necessary.
Regulatory note: U.S. customs rules can change. This article reflects the CBP rule effective July 24, 2026. Importers should verify current requirements before shipping.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/24/2026-12669/indefinite-suspension-of-the-de-minimis-exemption-for-mail-shipments-and-new-postal-informal-entry?utm_source=chatgpt.com
