CBP Posts Fact Sheet on De Minimis Changes
CBP released a fact sheet on the recently increased de minimis value threshold (here). Effective since March 10 (see 1603100010), CBP increased the de minimis limit from $200 to $800. "All existing processes and restrictions for merchandise shipments remain the same" as before the value increased, CBP said. "Even in the case of low value shipment, CBP has the right to require a formal entry on any shipment where additional information, bonding, or protection is required," it said. There's been some concern as to how the de minimis increase will affect work for brokers and importers (see 1605160030).
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CBP will continue to treat "consolidated shipments addressed to one ultimate consignee" as one importation and de minimis treatment won't be allowed "if CBP believes that the shipment is one of several lots covered by a single order or contract, and that it was sent separately for the express purpose of securing free entry or for the purpose of avoiding compliance with any pertinent law or regulation," it said. The de minimis exemption also doesn't apply to tariff-rate quota merchandise or if other agencies require additional treatment, it said. In terms of processing, "CBP may release low value shipments after electronic manifest is reviewed" in ACE "by manual posting, as appropriate," CBP said. For land border trucks, "low value shipments may be released off of the electronic truck manifest by accepting the release on the primary lane," it said. For manual processing in all modes, the "importer may provide oral declaration or evidence document of fair retail value of $800 or less," it said.