In 2022, over 685 million shipments entered the U.S. under a relatively unknown customs provision called De Minimis. 

What is De Minimis?

A U.S. Customs provision that allows eligible merchandise to enter free of duty and tax provided that the merchandise is imported by “one person on one day” and has an aggregate fair market value of $800 or less.  

de min·i·mis 

: LACKING SIGNIFICANCE OR IMPORTANCE: SO MINOR AS TO MERIT DISREGARD

Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary 

Over the past seven years, the usage of De Minimis has increased by 410%, in line with the rise of e-commerce. 

Today, two types of clearances can be used for De Minimis shipments. One is a simple clearance handled by U.S. Customs based on manifest data. The second is Entry Type 86, handled by a customs broker.   

Entry Type 86 is a relatively new type of customs entry. It is similar to a standard customs entry but requires fewer data elements. It offers importers a way to enter low-value goods duty and tax-free legally.  

This entry type also provides the benefit of being appropriate for more complicated products requiring other government agency declarations to agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

However, with all good things, there are also limitations to using Entry Type 86. 

Products Ineligible for Entry Type 86  

• Merchandise valued over $800 
• Merchandise subject to antidumping or countervailing duties 
• Merchandise subject to quota 
• Any tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code that other agencies collect on imported goods.  
• Alcoholic beverages and cigars (including cheroots and cigarillos) and cigarettes containing tobacco, cigarette tubes, cigarette papers, smoking tobacco (including water pipe tobacco, pipe tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco), snuff, or chewing tobacco are not allowed.  
• Shipments that are one of several lots covered by a single order or contract that are sent separately to secure free entry 

When you clear U.S. Customs using Entry Type 86, there will be no duty or tax payment, 7501 Entry Summary detailing the entry, or liquidation period. Essentially, the entry is closed once U.S. Customs releases your goods.  

Using De Minimis is a way to avoid paying high duties such as Section 301 China, 201 Solar, and 232 Steel and Aluminum tariffs on shipments valued at $800 or less, one-time per day. 

Let’s do the math! 

USD 800 Value of Goods x 25% Section 301 Tariffs = USD 200 or more in potential savings

That’s a benefit!

Businesses can utilize De Minimis as part of their customs clearance strategy. De Minimis can reduce duty outlay when used correctly, making your merchandise more competitive in the market or adding to your bottom line.  

Entry Type 86 offers the added benefit of permitting other government agency declarations, something manifest clearances can not handle.