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US Customs Tightened Customs Clearance Policy! Guide to Updated Changes on Entry Type 86
US Customs Tightened Customs Clearance Policy! Guide to Updated Changes on Entry Type 86
The T86 customs clearance policy has been further tightened. According to the announcement of the US Customs, ACAS (Air Cargo Pre Screening Implementation Guidelines) will be enforced from October 3rd to strengthen the collection and inspection of low value cargo data, which puts stricter requirements on package compliance declaration.
Amanda Moore
🕔
October 31, 2024

The T86 customs clearance policy has been further tightened. According to the announcement of the US Customs, ACAS (Air Cargo Pre Screening Implementation Guidelines) will be enforced from October 3rd to strengthen the collection and inspection of low value cargo data, which puts stricter requirements on package compliance declaration.

At that time, if cross-border e-commerce sellers fail to provide declaration information in accordance with the latest requirements of CBP, the clearance time of corresponding packages may be affected to some extent.

What is ACAS?

ACAS stands for Air Cargo Advance Screening, which requires all cargo bound for the United States to obtain a loading permit before being loaded and transmit cargo information electronically to CBP's ATS system.

New regulation requirements

CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) will require more comprehensive collection of data on low value goods to effectively combat illegal imports.

Ensuring the accuracy of cargo information, especially key information such as product name, quantity, and value, is crucial.

Original policy declaration requirements

  1. shipper's name - personal or company name
  2. shipper's address - detailed address including city, province, country, and postal code
  3. Consignee Name - Personal or Company Name
  4. Recipient Address - Detailed address including city, province, country, and postal code
  5. Description of goods - avoid vague expressions
  6. Total quantity - the minimum number of outer packaging units
  7. Total weight - total weight of goods

New declaration requirements will be added from October 3rd

In addition to accurate sender and receiver names, addresses, and other information, further improvement of sender and receiver information is required, including:

  1. Sender's email address
  2. Sender's phone number
  3. Recipient's email address
  4. Recipient's phone number

An additional processing fee has been added, with CBP charging a processing fee of $2 for each batch of packages entering through the De Minimis program. Multiple packages of a single recipient declared daily will be considered as one batch; If declared by multiple customs clearance companies, it is considered as multiple batches. Each importer is limited to a tax-free limit of $800 per day, and any excess must be declared using the standard import declaration procedure.

De Minimis: refers to the policy of exempting imported goods with a value below a certain amount from tariffs and taxes. The current "De Minimis" tax exemption limit in the United States is $800, usually referring to ET86, with a cumulative amount of no more than $800 per person per day, including all ports.

New fines and penalties have been added. For small packages under $5, if there is a violation of declaration or false declaration behavior, CBP may impose a maximum fine of $5000 in accordance with relevant regulations to combat false declaration and tax evasion.

The voluntary waiver time for small exemption packages has been shortened to 15 days, and goods that are not processed within the deadline will be destroyed.

Suggestions for Sellers

  1. Regarding compliance issues

After the implementation of the new regulations on October 3rd, in terms of compliance issues, sellers should pay more attention to the product description and declaration documents mentioned in the new regulations, in addition to the relevant new regulations and requirements for T86 customs clearance and entry. This is because after the implementation of the new regulations, there is a high probability that these two aspects will be emphasized for inspection. Sellers should avoid vague descriptions and ensure accurate declaration information.

  1. Regarding logistics issues

In terms of logistics, although the US Customs prohibits splitting orders into multiple small packages to obtain De Minimis discounts, sellers can consider merging multiple low value orders into one batch for declaration to reduce the risk of frequent triggering of exemption limits. In addition, you can also communicate with logistics service providers to seek better solutions.

  1. Operational cost issues

In terms of operational costs, if the US Customs increases the cost for Chinese sellers, then sellers can only pass on the cost to local American consumers

  1. Pay attention to policy changes

Pay attention to relevant news from CBP and the US government, adopt strategies and measures in advance, and prepare in advance to respond to market changes; Cooperate with compliant and reliable logistics service providers to ensure the smooth operation of your logistics transportation; Actively respond to policy requirements, ensure compliance, and obtain better services and better logistics prices.

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