USPS & E-commerce and Section 321

The US Postal Service executing on its new core mission of primarily a being a parcel carrier and this includes delivery for international retailers

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Parcel post remains the lowest cost option for e-commerce shippers:

The USPS is attracting new cross border customers by maintaining with their low cost advantage.

They remain the best option for international e-commerce companies seeking direct access to the USA.

The Postal Service is not implementing dimensional weight charges
The Postal Service does not have the burdensome shipping surcharges

Shipping Global Direct Entry Clearance to US

Many international shippers wish to import with shipments pre-labeled with USPS labels. Jet helps retailers ship their online orders via direct airfreight and section 321 processes.

What is Section 321?

US Customs allows most individual orders valued under $800 USD to be entered and cleared duty free into the USA. This entry type is known as a Section 321 Informal Entry. Using this entry type, importers can consolidate all their qualifying orders under one entry without H.S. Codes and benefit from duty free entry.

USA Section 321 Import plus last mile delivery via USPS

Section 321 entry type in the USA allows for efficient high volume duty free parcel import to the United States. This can be accomplished via four entry types:

Section 321 Express Consignment
Section 321 Cargo (Container Freight Station / CFS)
Section 321 type 86
Section 321 Canada / USA cross border

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USA Section 321 Express Consignment

Using an Express Consignment Clearance Facility / ECCF, retailers benefit from express handling and clearance. While it is important to build in the capability in case of a general customs slow down or work stoppage), this method is costly (over $1 US per consignment customs reimbursable fee). Goods cleared via ECCF are subject to Part 128 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

USA Section 321 Cargo/ CFS

Most facilities that have an ECCF also have access to cargo clearance. The processes are essentially the same but without the customs fee mentioned above. Shippers often mix and match use of CFS and ECCF to balance the need for lower costs with faster clearance.

USA Section 321 Type 86

Using traditional brokerage clearance systems, retailers can take advantage of type 86 entries. The format requires application of HS codes. This system is available for all forms of conveyance but seem to be subject to a high level of inspection and delay.

USA Section 321 Canada to USA Cross Border

Many retailers are choosing to ship their goods via Canada to take advantage of truck border crossings to the USA. The goods can either be transported in bond direct from the arrival airport to the border or imported and warehoused in Canada. Many are choosing to import the goods to Canada that benefit from Canadian duty free entry under CPTPP (which Canada is a member of).

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