CBP has updated its e-commerce- and de minimis-related FAQs, according to an Aug. 22 cargo systems message. The FAQs discuss the recent executive order ending de minimis; define the difference between how postal shipments and non-postal shipments will be treated; clarify whether carriers or qualified parties can mix duty methodologies for international mail shipments; provide direction on where filers can find guidance on the payment of duty on international mail shipments; define CBP Form 5106 and describe the process for submitting the form; define how a qualified party can obtain a bond; and clarify which types of international mail are subject to duty, among other questions.
Postal operators in Australia and Europe reportedly are halting low-value shipments to the U.S. in response to the end of the de minimis exemption on Aug. 29 (see 2507300046).
CBP is starting to list on its website which qualified parties acting in lieu of a carrier have been qualified by CBP to collect and pay duty on international mail that previously would have been eligible for the de minimis exemption, according to an Aug. 21 cargo systems message. Additional parties seeking to be certified as a qualified party should follow the process outlined in the agency's Aug. 15 guidance, which includes submitting a CBP Form 5106, obtaining a bond and fulfilling other requirements, CBP said in the message. The list will be updated as new qualified parties are certified.
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CBP has provided guidance via an Aug. 15 cargo systems message for transportation carriers and qualified parties on how to proceed with collecting duties from international mail shipments that would have been eligible for de minimis treatment.
De Minimis Phase-Out Potentially Will Divert Resources, Create More Work for Customs, Port Exec Says
The end of de minimis at the end of August (see 2507300046) could not only result in longer transit times, it also could mean the diversion of resources to customs work, the executive director of the Port of Los Angeles said during the port's monthly media briefing on Aug. 13.
CBP issued the following releases on commercial trade and related matters:
Global air cargo volumes grew 5% year-over-year in July as shippers may have sought to front load goods ahead of U.S. tariff deadlines or expedite shipping amid market uncertainties, said Xeneta, a Norway-based freight rate market analytics firm. The company thinks this means "more shippers opted for the speed of airfreight to help circumvent U.S. tariffs."
The Section 232 tariffs on copper and its derivatives appear to have been developed under a greater understanding of how U.S. manufacturing works, according to trade expert Cindy Allen, who appeared on an Aug. 1 "Simply Trade" podcast episode to discuss the numerous U.S. trade actions that occurred last week.
The ability to import low-value packages duty-free will end for goods from around the world on Aug. 29, the president declared in an executive order July 30.