E-COMMERCEIMPORT TO THE USA DURING PEAK HOLIDAY SEASON
As cross border e-commerce sales continue to surge, there is increased need to develop alternative processes for efficient clearance of online orders to the USA.
Online sellers should develop express, cargo and type 86 section 321 processes.
Express versus Cargo Clearance
Besides using an integrator or the postal office, there are 3 main options for sending e-commerce parcels directly to the USA:
E-commerce parcels clearance via a "Container Freight Station" or CFS.
At certain ports, it is possible to clear high volume parcel flows using a CFS. But CFS clearance times during the peak holiday season makes it necessary for e-commerce shippers to divert their clearances to more certain ECCF clearance.
E-commerce parcels clearance via an "Express Consignment Clearance Facility" or ECCF.
ECCF facilities in the USA providereliable clearance and recovery of e-commerce parcels within hours of arrival. ECCF's have to meet a higher standard than a CFS and are subject to express (Part 128 of the Code of Federal Regulations) consignment regulations.
US Customs and Border Protection recognizes the need for immediate clearance of e-commerce parcels imported via an Express Consignment Clearance Facility. In exchange for providing express clearance, customs charges a fee for parcels cleared via ECCF's.
Clearance via Section 321 Type 86
The ACE Entry Type 86 is a way to submit low-valued shipments without an ECCF (see ECCF explanation below). It will also be away to clear low value shipments that are subject to approval of other government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Customs has been working on "one window clearance" processes that incorporates the requirements of other government agencies. In customs parlance, they are referred to as "Partner Government Agencies" or PGA's. Type 86 extends the "one window clearance" processes to include low value section 321.
Jet Worldwide advises companies on the best practices available for e-commerce imports to the USA via CFS and ECCF processes.
- Logistics Solutions for High Volume Parcel Flows to the USA
Multiple Points of Entry
- Use of Container Freight Station for Deferred Clearance
- Access to an ECCF for Express Clearance
- Partnering with a US Customs Broker Familiar with Express Consignment Regulations
Note: Information in this post and all Jet Worldwide content is for general information only.
