CBP initiating voluntary pilot to gather data on Section 321 shipments

U.S. Customs & Border protection is initiating a voluntary pilot project effective Sept. 28, 2019 that will allow shippers to submit to CBP advanced electronic data related to cargo that falls within the de minimis threshold of $800 under Section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930.

The pilot is intended to support CBP’s efforts to gather data related to low-value shipments, which have increased to 1.8 million daily across U.S. ports since the increase in the de minimis threshold, and have constrained the agency’s ability to effectively assess security risk. In exchange for voluntarily providing advanced electronic data, CBP may be able to expedite clearance for shipments deemed to be low risk based on data tests.

To participate, shippers will need to file new entry type 86, which is normally filed as Section 321 under e-manifest.

Livingston will be participating in this voluntary pilot project and will work with shippers interested in participating to facilitate these transactions. Those interested can find more information in this Federal Register Notice. However, it is important to note this entry type cannot be filed prior to the initiation of the pilot on Sept. 28, 2019.

Those shippers that would prefer not to participate would simply continue to follow the standard Section 321 process – be it as a carrier manifest or as a formal or informal entry.

Livingston will provide more information about the pilot and any additional process requirements as it becomes available.

If you have any questions regarding this voluntary pilot program, Livingston can help! Please contact either your Livingston account manager or our regulatory affairs group at usregaffairs@livingstonintl.com.