Increase in the De Minimis value from $200 to $800

Excerpt from : U.S. Custom Boarder Protection | March 9, 2016

February 24, 2016 the President signed the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. One of its provisions established a 15 day mandatory implementation of an increase in the de minimis value exemption from duties and taxes (aka Section 321) from $200 to $800. This provision will be implemented on March 10, 2016. U.S, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intends, as soon as possible, to publish an Interim Final Rule amending the appropriate regulations and soliciting comments from interested parties. However, beginning on March 10, 2016, shipments valued at $800 or less will be eligible for release under the same processes and with the same restrictions as currently apply for de minimis shipments of $200 or less.

aceOn Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 12:01AM a programming change will be implemented in ACE production to increase the de minimis value from $200 to $800. This program change will be implemented based on section 321 validations. All existing processes for these shipments will remain unchanged other than the value.

As always, CBP has the right to require a formal entry on any shipment where additional information, bonding or protection is required. In the case of low value shipments, it is important to note that this treatment can be denied if used for the purpose of avoiding compliance with any pertinent law or regulation. That is especially important where revenue, import safety or serious trade enforcement issues are present.

Please contact Randy Mitchell, Acting Division Director, Commercial Operations, Revenue and Entry at randy.mitchell@cbp.dhs.gov if you have any questions.