UK businesses shipping goods to the United States are being encouraged to reassess their logistics and customs processes as significant changes to US import regulations are set to reshape the handling of international postal shipments.
The advisory follows a decision by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to introduce new postal entry requirements after indefinitely suspending the $800 de minimis exemption, which previously allowed many low-value imports like apparel and other fashion goods to enter the country without customs duties.
Under the revised framework, the Entry Type 13 postal entry system will become the primary mechanism for processing international postal imports. Businesses exporting to the US are expected to adapt their operations and strengthen customs compliance to ensure uninterrupted trade.
CBP introduced the Entry Type 13 postal entry system to align postal imports with other commercial import channels. The initiative is designed to improve customs duty collection on shipments that were previously exempt, enhance shipment screening through expanded data reporting, strengthen intellectual property enforcement, and combat the misuse of postal networks for narcotics smuggling.
The interim regulation came into effect on July 24, 2026, ending the long-standing duty exemption for international postal parcels. While the International Mail Duty Worksheet (IMDW) remains available as a temporary filing option, carriers must now submit additional shipment information, including carrier identification codes, package counts, and declared duty amounts.
A further phase of the changes will take effect on October 24, 2026. From that date, shipments involving partner government agencies, trade remedy measures, or duty-free claims will no longer qualify for IMDW processing. Instead, these consignments must be filed through the Entry Type 13 postal entry system or entered as standard commercial imports requiring detailed Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications and comprehensive product descriptions.
The updated rules also introduce greater administrative requirements, as every Entry Type 13 filing must be submitted by a licensed customs broker acting as the Importer of Record. This is expected to increase compliance responsibilities for both UK exporters and their US importing partners.
Industry observers believe the new system will become the standard route for processing postal shipments at scale once the October deadline takes effect.
The regulatory changes are also expected to increase logistics costs, reduce service efficiency, and create additional uncertainty across international supply chains, potentially affecting both importers and end consumers. The transition could prove especially challenging because many postal operators and logistics providers are still adapting their systems to accommodate the new requirements.
The changes come at a difficult time for UK exporters. According to a UK government factsheet, exports of goods to the United States declined by 10.3%, equivalent to £6.8 billion ($9.06 billion), over the past year.
Although the UK’s services sector has continued to record export growth, merchandise exporters are facing mounting pressure from changing trade regulations and rising compliance obligations. The introduction of the Entry Type 13 postal entry system is expected to add further operational complexity for businesses serving the US market.
To remain competitive, exporters are being encouraged to partner with experienced logistics and customs specialists that can help navigate the evolving regulatory environment, minimize disruptions, and ensure compliance with the new US import requirements.
