Informal Entry
Also known as: Informal Customs Entry, Low Value Entry, Section 321
Definition
An informal entry is a streamlined customs process for importing goods valued under $2,500 into the United States. It requires minimal documentation, no customs bond, and can often be processed quickly at the port of entry.
Informal Entry Basics
Qualifying Criteria
- Value under $2,500
- Not subject to quota
- No special permits required
- Not AD/CVD merchandise
- Commercial or personal
Benefits
- Simplified documentation
- No bond required
- Faster processing
- Lower fees
- Self-clearable (some cases)
Informal vs. Formal Entry
| Factor | Informal | Formal |
|---|---|---|
| Value limit | Under $2,500 | $2,500+ |
| Bond | Not required | Required |
| Documentation | Minimal | Extensive |
| Entry summary | Not required | Required (7501) |
| Broker | Optional | Usually needed |
| Liquidation | Final at entry | Later liquidated |
Types of Informal Entries
By Purpose
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Commercial | Business merchandise |
| Personal | Individual’s imports |
| Mail/Courier | Express shipments |
| Samples | Commercial samples |
Entry Type Codes
- Type 11: Informal entry (manual)
- Type 86: Section 321 de minimis (automated)
Documentation Required
For Informal Entry
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading/airway bill
- CBP Form 7501 (optional/simplified)
What’s NOT Required
- Customs bond
- Detailed entry summary
- Complex tariff analysis
- Importer number (personal imports)
Informal Entry Process
Self-Clearance (Personal Imports)
- Cargo arrives
- Present to CBP at port
- Show invoice/documentation
- Pay duties (if any)
- Receive goods
Through Broker/Carrier
- Shipment arrives
- Broker files informal entry
- CBP reviews
- Duties collected
- Goods released
Timeline
Mail/Courier: Often same day
Airport: 1-2 hours
Seaport: Same day to next day
Fees for Informal Entries
Reduced Government Fees
| Fee | Informal Entry |
|---|---|
| MPF (under $2,500) | $2.00 |
| Harbor Maintenance | 0.125% (if ocean) |
| Duty | Per tariff classification |
Compare to formal entry MPF: 0.3464% (min $27.75)
Other Costs
- Broker fee (if used): $25-$75
- Carrier clearance fee: $10-$50
- Handling: Varies
De Minimis and Section 321
$800 De Minimis
- No duty, no tax
- Minimal paperwork
- Very fast release
- Most e-commerce packages
$800-$2,500
- May owe duty
- Still informal entry
- Low MPF
- Quick processing
Comparison
Value: $500 → De minimis, no duty
Value: $1,500 → Informal entry, duty if applicable
Value: $3,000 → Formal entry required
Who Can Use Informal Entry
Personal Importers
- Travelers returning with goods
- Online shopping from abroad
- Gifts from overseas
- Personal effects
Commercial Importers
- Small shipments
- Samples
- Low-value goods
- Testing market
Limitations
Cannot Use Informal For
- Goods exceeding $2,500
- Quota merchandise
- Items requiring permits/licenses
- AD/CVD subject merchandise
- Certain textiles
Why Value Matters
- Per shipment, not per item
- Includes shipping costs
- No splitting shipments to avoid threshold
- Customs can aggregate related shipments
Processing Locations
Where Informal Entries Clear
- Ports of entry
- International mail facilities
- Express consignment facilities
- Airport cargo areas
- CBP offices
Express Carriers
- FedEx, UPS, DHL handle clearance
- Included in shipping often
- Very fast processing
- May charge clearance fee
Common Issues
Potential Problems
- Value exceeds threshold
- Missing documentation
- Restricted goods
- FDA/USDA holds
- Marking requirements
Resolution
- May need formal entry
- Additional documentation
- Permits obtained
- Goods examined
- Some delays possible
Tips for Informal Entry
For Smooth Clearance
- Have invoice ready
- Know value accurately
- Understand HS classification
- Check for restrictions
- Proper country of origin marking
- Keep records
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