Entry Type 86 Is Suspended: U.S. Import Options in 2026

Is Entry Type 86 available in 2026?

No. Entry Type 86 was an electronic entry process used for eligible low-value shipments under the former Section 321 duty-free framework. It is suspended. CBP instructed ACE to reject all Entry Type 86 electronic cargo-release transactions beginning August 29, 2025. Filing earlier, changing the consignee or keeping a commercial parcel below $800 does not restore access to it.

CBP CSMS #66065494 gives the operational suspension instructions. The June 24, 2026 CBP interim final rule continues the suspension for covered non-postal shipments from all countries.

What changed, and when?

• Before the suspension: Entry Type 86 supported eligible shipments within the former $800 de minimis framework, including required product and agency data. The value ceiling was not a blanket exemption from admissibility rules.
• August 29, 2025: the worldwide suspension took effect. CBP said ACE would reject Section 321 manifest releases and Entry Type 86 transactions.
• June 24, 2026: CBP made its non-postal regulations reflect the continuing suspension and the need for an appropriate formal or informal entry.

This guide concerns commercial inventory and ecommerce parcels. Separate provisions for qualifying gifts and travelers are not a way to relabel a commercial sale, and international postal shipments have separate procedures.

Which entry process replaces Type 86?

For non-postal commercial cargo, arrange an appropriate entry in ACE with the carrier or customs broker. A formal entry or an eligible informal entry may be available. Value is only one factor: product restrictions, trade remedies, partner government agency requirements and CBP instructions can affect the required process. Do not assume every parcel now needs a formal entry, and do not assume informal entry means duty-free.

Entry Type 11 is a common informal-entry alternative, subject to eligibility. Ask the filer to confirm the entry type, importer details, bond requirements if applicable, duties, fees and filing deadlines for the actual shipment. Our informal versus formal entry guide explains the planning distinction.

What information should the importer prepare?

• Accurate product descriptions, quantities, materials and intended use.
• Country of origin and the appropriate HTS classification for each product.
• A commercial invoice showing the correct customs value and transaction details.
• A packing list, transport reference and consistent importer and consignee information.
• Any required agency registrations, permits or admissibility documents.
• Broker authorization from the appropriate party and any required bond arrangements.

The importer remains responsible for accurate declarations. A forwarder or broker can coordinate filings, but neither a DDP quote nor the low value of the goods waives product rules, classification requirements or applicable duties.

Pre-shipment checklist for low-value commercial cargo

1. Confirm the service: identify whether the shipment is non-postal or international mail; the procedures differ.
2. Confirm the entry: have the filer identify an available formal or informal process before pickup.
3. Confirm the importer: name the eligible importer of record and arrange the required authorizations.
4. Confirm the cost: get a product-specific estimate for duties, brokerage and applicable fees; a shipment below $800 is not automatically duty-free.
5. Confirm documents: reconcile the invoice, packing list, product data and transport documents.
6. Confirm delivery: allow for customs review and receiving appointments, especially for small Amazon FBA test orders.

What if a quote or shipment still mentions Type 86?

Ask the provider to replace the obsolete entry assumption in writing. Request the actual entry method, importer identity, duty treatment and included customs charges. A rejected Type 86 transaction must be addressed through a permitted process; resubmitting it earlier or altering the declared value is not a remedy.

If cargo is already moving, give the carrier or broker the shipment reference and complete documents promptly. Confirm any entry correction, storage exposure and delivery changes with them. Customs examination or other agency review can still occur under a valid entry.

How DDP fits the current process

DDP can combine freight, import clearance coordination, applicable duties and delivery into an agreed scope. It is a commercial responsibility arrangement, not a customs exemption and not a replacement entry type. Confirm the importer of record, licensed broker, declared value, tariff assumptions and exclusions before accepting a quote.

ForwarderOne can help plan DDP shipping from China to the USA around the current entry process. Ask for a shipment-specific scope instead of a promise of duty-free Type 86 clearance.

Official sources

• CBP CSMS #66065494: worldwide de minimis suspension and ACE rejection instructions (August 28, 2025)
• CBP: Suspension of Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries (effective June 24, 2026)

Regulatory status updated on October 2, 2026 using these sources. Confirm shipment-specific eligibility and current filing instructions with the carrier or licensed customs broker before dispatch.

FAQ

Is Entry Type 86 available in 2026?

No. Entry Type 86 is suspended. ACE has rejected its electronic cargo-release transactions since August 29, 2025.

Are commercial packages under $800 automatically duty-free?

No. The duty-free de minimis process is suspended for covered commercial imports from all countries. Applicable duties, fees and entry requirements depend on the goods and the permitted process.

Does every former Type 86 shipment require a formal entry?

No. Non-postal shipments need an appropriate formal or informal entry. Informal entry remains subject to eligibility and is not automatically duty-free.

Can a DDP service still use Type 86?

No. DDP allocates commercial responsibilities between seller and buyer; it does not make a suspended customs entry process available.

What should I request before booking a low-value shipment?

Request the entry type, eligible importer of record, customs broker or carrier filing arrangement, product classification, duty and fee estimate, required documents and delivery scope.