Shein Joins Amazon, eBay, Zulily as Section 321 Data Pilot Participant
Shein, which has made its business selling fast fashion from Chinese manufacturers in de minimis packages to American consumers, announced Dec. 19 that it has begun participating in the Section 321 Data Pilot program. The Section 321 pilot is smaller and requires less data than Type 86 filing. The company said it had been participating more than 30 days, and CBP confirmed that it was receiving all the relevant import entry information for the data pilot.
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According to an e-commerce FAQ (the last one on the list on that page) at CBP, Shein joined other e-commerce platforms, carriers and logistics companies in the pilot: eBay, Amazon, Zulily, FedEx, UPS, DHL, Box C Logistics, XB Fulfillment, PreClear, Baja Fulfillment and Grand CHB Customs Broker.
The Section 321 pilot originally was open to nine companies. In 2023, CBP said it received 20 applications; it's not clear whether some applications were rejected, or whether some past participants dropped out. The agency said it's looking for more companies to join.
"This pilot is a leading way to help CBP prevent illegal or hazardous products from entering the country and expedite the shipment of legitimate low-value e-commerce parcels," Shein wrote in its news release. "SHEIN's participation in the Section 321 Data Pilot underscores its commitment to rigorous transparency. By voluntarily providing increased visibility into its shipments, the company seeks to assist CBP in focusing its resources on identifying misuse of the import process."
Shein has to provide to CBP a shipment tracking number; house or master bill number; information about whether it came by air, truck, ocean or rail; the seller that sent the good; the consignee; an enhanced product description, such as the one listed on Shein; verification that an X-ray or other image screen took place in China; the seller on the marketplace and its address; an indicator that the seller has been vetted and has no known trade violations; the buyer name and address (if different from the consignee); a product picture; a link to the product listing; and the listed price on the marketplace.
It doesn't have to provide a Harmonized Tariff Schedule number, or country of origin information.
"As a voluntary participant, SHEIN hopes its involvement will support its continuous efforts to offer reliable and trusted products to its customers in the U.S.," the company wrote.