Breaking News: CBP Opens Entry Type 13 Pilot to Solve De Minimis Fallout
On September 24, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) quietly opened its Entry Type 13 Test to filers and carriers, introducing an electronic informal entry pathway for low-value shipments moving through the international postal stream. This is the first major operational relief since the $800 de minimis exemption was suspended for all countries on August 29, 2025, and kept in place by executive order in February 2026. As of September 27, 2026, there is still no reinstatement date.
For e-commerce sellers, this pilot is a potential game-changer. It allows shipments carrying Section 232 and Section 301 duties to be processed without formal entry, reducing friction and cost. But it's not a return to the old days—it's a new compliance regime that demands attention.
Impact Analysis: Higher Costs, Longer Delays, Thinner Margins
Since the de minimis suspension, every parcel—regardless of value—now requires a standard entry filing. This has led to:
- Increased customs brokerage fees: $2–$5 per entry, often higher for formal entries.
- Duty exposure: Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods remain, and other tariffs apply globally.
- Delays: Formal entries can add 3–7 business days to clearance, disrupting delivery promises.
- Higher return costs: Returns now also face duty and processing, making reverse logistics more expensive.
According to industry sources, 23% of large retailers cite returns efficiency as a top priority for the next 12 months—an impossible goal without addressing the new customs reality.
Meanwhile, the EU introduced a €3 customs levy on low-value imports in July 2026, and additional €2 handling fees are set for November 2026. The global regulatory tide is clear: low-value, duty-free cross-border e-commerce is over.
Actionable Strategies: How to Adapt Your Fulfillment Model
Smart merchants are not waiting for a de minimis comeback. They are redesigning their supply chains. Here's what you can do now:
1. Leverage CBP's Entry Type 13 Pilot
If you ship via postal channels, ask your carrier or customs broker about participating in the Entry Type 13 Test. It can reduce per-parcel costs and speed up clearance for low-value shipments. But don't rely on it alone—it's a pilot, not a permanent fix.
2. Shift to Consolidated Freight and 3PL Fulfillment
Instead of shipping individual parcels, consolidate inventory in a U.S.-based 3PL or use a China-based fulfillment center that handles bulk customs clearance. This turns many small entries into one large entry, slashing per-unit brokerage fees and duty processing time.
3. Recalculate Landed Costs
Every SKU's landed cost must now include duty, brokerage, and potential delays. Use tools like Zonos or Avalara to get real-time estimates, and adjust pricing or sourcing accordingly.
4. Explore Alternative Markets
With the U.S. de minimis gone and EU fees rising, consider markets with more favorable regimes, like Canada or Australia, or use free trade zones to defer duties.
5. Optimize Returns
Offer local returns in the U.S. by holding inventory in a 3PL. This avoids international return shipping and customs re-entry costs.
GPfulfillment Advantage: Your Partner in the New Customs Era
At Gray Poplar (GPfulfillment), we've been preparing for this shift since 2025. Our Shenzhen/Hong Kong hubs are strategically positioned to help you navigate the post-de minimis world:
- Direct air shipping: 7–12 business days to US/EU, with customs pre-clearance and DDP options.
- Consolidated freight: We combine your orders into bulk shipments, reducing entry filings and duty exposure.
- China sourcing agent: We vet suppliers and manage quality control, ensuring your products comply with U.S. customs regulations.
- Private label fulfillment: Custom packaging and branded inserts that elevate your unboxing experience—without the customs headaches.
- 3PL fulfillment: U.S. warehouse space for faster domestic delivery and easy returns.
We also stay on top of regulatory changes like the Entry Type 13 pilot and can advise on the best routing for your products.
"The de minimis era is over. The winners will be those who adapt their logistics now—not those who wait for a policy reversal." — GPfulfillment Logistics Team
Conclusion: Act Now to Protect Your Margins
The suspension of de minimis is not a temporary glitch—it's a permanent shift. With CBP's Entry Type 13 pilot, there's a narrow window to optimize your customs strategy. But pilots can end, and regulations will keep evolving.
Don't let customs complexity kill your business. Contact GPfulfillment today to redesign your fulfillment model. We'll help you cut costs, speed up delivery, and stay compliant—no matter what Washington does next.
Get a free consultation and see how much you can save with our China-to-US air fulfillment solutions.