Entry Type 13 Informal Mail Entry is live in ACE PROD (Sep 22, 2026)

On September 22, 2026, CBP deployed Entry Type 13 (Informal Mail Entry) to ACE Production. CSMS #69289734 covers the Implementation of Entry Type 13 Test in ACE for U.S. Mail Processing (INT-057) and Mail Entry Type 13 Test (CBP-290). CERT went live July 24, 2026. PROD is September 22.

This is the ACE implementation of the June 24, 2026 Federal Register notice announcing a test of a new electronic informal entry process for international mail. It sits next to the indefinite suspension of de minimis for merchandise arriving through modes other than the international postal network, and the separate mail de minimis suspension that forced a new informal mail pathway.

Entry Type 13 is live in ACE PROD as of September 22, 2026 for qualified USPS international mail valued at $2,500 or less.

What the FRN test covers

FR Doc. 2026-12668 (91 FR 38007) opens the Entry Type 13 Test on September 22, 2026 and continues until CBP announces an end in the Federal Register. Comments are accepted throughout the test at cbpdm@cbp.dhs.gov with subject line "Comments on the Entry Type 13 Test."

Entry Type 13 is available for international mail shipments valued at $2,500 or less sent through the international postal network, including shipments that would previously have been eligible for the de minimis exemption. It is an electronic ACE alternative to the interim informal mail process in 19 CFR § 145.12(b). During the test, it also temporarily opens an informal pathway for low-value mail subject to PGA data requirements or duties outside Chapters 1–97 (for example Section 201, 232, or 301), which are ineligible for that interim Part 145 process.

Who may participate

The test is open to owners and purchasers of merchandise mailed to the United States through the international postal network, and to licensed customs brokers properly appointed by the owner, purchaser, or consignee. Consignees using brokers can include foreign postal operators, USPS, freight forwarders, and carriers. Carriers transporting international mail may also participate by transmitting the foreign-post tracking number on the manifest.

No separate application is required. The party with the right to make entry files Entry Type 13 electronically in ACE (or uses an appointed licensed broker). A consignee who is not the owner or purchaser must use a licensed broker as importer of record. A basic importation and entry bond (STB or continuous) with 19 CFR § 113.62 terms is required under 19 U.S.C. § 1623 and 19 CFR § 113.1.

Data elements on Entry Type 13

The FRN requires the IOR to transmit:

• Filer code; IOR number; description; country of origin
• All applicable 10-digit HTSUS classifications (Chapters 1–97 plus any Chapter 98/99 secondaries)
• Quantity and weight when specific duty rates apply; duty rate; value; total duty owed
• Carrier name; tracking number generated by the foreign post operator; arrival port

PGA-required shipments and shipments with duties outside Chapters 1–97 must also transmit the additional mandated data. Technical transmission rules are in the ACE CATAIR guides. CSMS #69289734 lists the Cargo Release, Entry Summary, Manifest, and Appendix B drafts updated for the deployment, and points to CBP's Trade Information Notice for ACE Portal user impacts.

Why de minimis context matters

CBP has indefinitely suspended the duty-free de minimis administrative exemption for mail under 19 U.S.C. § 1321(a)(2)(C) for articles valued at $800 or less imported by one person on one day, consistent with E.O. 14324 and E.O. 14388. Without de minimis, filers cannot use the old special informal procedures for those shipments. Entry Type 13 is CBP's electronic test path for low-value international mail in that post-de minimis environment. Separately, CBP has also indefinitely suspended de minimis for merchandise arriving through modes other than the international postal network; mail remains the channel this test automates.

Contacts and comment path

Deployment questions: Cargo Release, Manifest and Export Product Division at CREM@cbp.dhs.gov, or Entry Summary, Accounts, and Revenue at ESAR@cbp.dhs.gov. Technical questions go to your assigned Client Representative. Test policy contact in the FRN: Christopher Mabelitini, ecommerce@cbp.dhs.gov, 202-325-6915.

This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Drawback eligibility depends on your specific facts, and final refunds are determined by CBP at liquidation. Consult a licensed customs broker or attorney for your situation.