---
title: "US Import Regulations 2026: Section 122 Tariffs, Customs, and Shipping"
description: Navigate 2026 US importing regulations with our expert guide. Learn new Section 122 tariff impact your shipments, HS codes, and customs clearance.
image: https://www.jetworldwide.com/hubfs/IMPORT-GUIDE-USA-JETSHIP-GRAPHIC.webp
---

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# US Import Regulations 2026: Section 122 Tariffs, Customs, and Shipping

[ Timothy Byrnes ](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/author/timothy-byrnes)

Importing goods into the USA requires compliance with customs regulations, tariff schedules, and documentation rules. With the right preparation, businesses can avoid costly delays and penalties.

### Table of Contents

- [Trade Alert: 2026 Supreme Court Ruling and Section 122](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/importing-guide-to-the-usa#trade-alert)
- [Steps to Import into the USA](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/importing-guide-to-the-usa#import-steps)
- [Courier vs Air vs Ocean](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/importing-guide-to-the-usa#shipping-modes)
- [Valuation, Origin, and Compliance](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/importing-guide-to-the-usa#valuation-compliance)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/importing-guide-to-the-usa#faq)

### What You Will Learn

- How to choose the right **entry type**
- How **tariffs and HS codes** impact duty
- Required **documents** and common mistakes
- When to use **courier, air, or ocean**
- Tips for **valuation** and **origin** claims

### Quick Links

- [Bill of Lading Explained](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/bill-of-lading-explained)
- [USA Import Tariff Updates (2026)](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/importing-guide-to-the-usa#tariff-update-feb-2026)
- [HS Codes and Tariff Classification](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/choosi-the-right-hs-code-tariff-classification)
- [Talk to an Expert](https://www.jetworldwide.com/contact)

## [Trade Alert: May 2026 Court Ruling: Section 122 Invalid](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/section-122-tariffs-struck-down-cit-ruling)<https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/ieepa-refund-cape>

## [Trade Alert: July 2026 SECTION 301](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/section-301-forced-labor-duties-canada-filing-guide)

## ![section_122_hero](https://www.jetworldwide.com/hs-fs/hubfs/section_122_hero.webp?width=497&height=261&name=section_122_hero.webp)

## [Update: February 2026 IEEPA](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/ieepa-refund-cape)

The landscape of US importing shifted dramatically in late February 2026. The Supreme Court formally invalidated the sweeping Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs.  Importers who paid these duties should immediately consult their customs brokers to prepare for potential refund procedures.

The administration immediately invoked a new tariff (**Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974) **which have since been ruled invalid (May 2026). [Read more about Court of International Trade Section 122 decision.](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/section-122-tariffs-struck-down-cit-ruling)

[Read Executive Summary](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/u.s.-tariff-update-navigating-the-shift-from-ieepa-to-section-122)

## US trade lawsuit over the use of Section 122:

A group of 24 states filed a complaint asking this Court to hold Proclamation 11012 unlawful. Any decision by the Court of International Trade will likely be appealed.  The Section 122 may also be ruled invalid but the the time frame for a decision will likely be longer than the tariff itself. 

![Court-of-international-trade-section-122-filing](https://www.jetworldwide.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Court-of-international-trade-section-122-filing.webp?width=434&height=567&name=Court-of-international-trade-section-122-filing.webp)

## Steps to Import into the USA

**1) Confirm HS Code and Duty** — Classify your product and check current US duty rates, factoring in the new Section 122 temporary surcharge.

**2) Choose Entry Type** — Informal (under $2,500), or Formal (over $2,500, customs bond required).

**3) Prepare Documents** — Commercial invoice, bill of lading or waybill, packing list, and any partner agency approvals.

**4) Decide Shipping Mode** — Courier, Air, or Ocean depending on cost, size, and urgency.

**5) Arrange Customs Clearance** — Work with a licensed broker; file entries and pay duties and fees.

**6) Maintain Records** — Keep documentation for audits, compliance reviews, and potential duty refund claims.

[Review New FedEx and UPS guidelines for USA Import](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/fedex-ups-import-process-2026)

## Courier vs Air vs Ocean

In general, local postal options are best for individuals shipping small parcels to the USA. Commercial packages benefit from fast transit via FedEx, UPS and DHL. Heavier weight shipments benefit from Trucking or ocean. Contact our team for rates from Canada to the USA with our lowest spot market rates for shipments as small as 20 kilograms. 

| Mode | Best For | Pros | Considerations |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Courier | Small parcels, e-commerce | Fastest customs clearance; minimal paperwork | High cost for large or bulky cargo |
| Air Freight | Urgent, medium shipments | Reliable transit; good for high-value items | More expensive than ocean; airport handling fees |
| Ocean Freight | Bulk shipments (500 kg or more) | Lowest cost per kg for large volumes | Slower transit; accessorial and minimum charges |

## ![jet-van-city-route-2024](https://www.jetworldwide.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jet-van-city-route-2024.webp?width=340&height=221&name=jet-van-city-route-2024.webp)

## Courier vs Trucking

From Canada and Mexico, Trucking (both full truck load and "less than truck load") are by far the most common method. The transit times are usually within one week and benefit from efficient cross border processes. Contact our team for an economy courier and LTL rate.

[![Get a shipping quote](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/213869/b8064d2c-d3cb-4934-ae43-2dc1f71ab67d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/213869/b8064d2c-d3cb-4934-ae43-2dc1f71ab67d)

---

## Valuation, Origin, and Compliance

### Valuation

The commonly accepted value is the "Transaction Value." Transaction value (price paid or payable) plus packing, assists, royalties, and resale proceeds. Freight is usually excluded from customs value. Read more about declaring a value for cross border shipping. [Understanding declared value.](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/declared-value-cif-and-valuation-for-international-shipping)

### Country of Origin

Origin refers to from the goods were "made, grown, raised or extracted." It does not refer to from there the goods ship from. The country of origin is most pertinent as it relates to USMCA duty free import. To claim free trade benefits (like USMCA), the goods must be accompanies by a [**Certificate of Origin**.](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/certificate-of-origin-explained)

### Partner Agencies

FDA, USDA, and Fish and Wildlife may require additional approvals. **Supplements, cosmetics, and food** often need extra clearance.

## Frequently Asked Questions

Which documents are required?

The core requirements include a [commercial invoice](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/preparing-invoices-for-customs-clearance-and-cci) along with the [bill of lading or waybill.](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/bill-of-lading-explained)Certain products may also need FDA, USDA, or other specific agency permits.

How do I know my HS code?

Classify your item by product material and function. Confirm with the US 10-digit code or consult a licensed customs broker. Review our guide linked above explaining the HS code system.

 

What is the difference between Informal and Formal entries?

Informal entries (valued under $2,500) are simpler and do not require a customs bond or a designated broker. Formal entries (valued over $2,500) require a bond and more detailed processing.

How can I reduce duty and navigate Section 122?

The only way to reduce duty is to benefit from goods that qualify as originating from a country sharing a free trade agreement with the USA. Most notable among these agreements is with Canada and Mexico (USMCA). Otherwise, make sure you hav correct HS classification, and use Chapter 98 provisions (US goods being returned) when applicable. Do not overvalue the item. Generally, the price paid—excluding shipping costs—is the [value for duty](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/declared-value-cif-and-valuation-for-international-shipping). Monitor Section 122 updates closely as the 150-day window closes in July 2026.

Do I need a customs broker?

Officially No.  Keep in mind that express courier shipments usually include entry preparation. For cargo and formal entries, hiring a licensed customs broker is highly recommended. Importers are legally allowed to self-clear goods through US Customs for goods they are importing (you cannot do so for someone else).  It may make sense to "self import" if your product is easy to classify and transaction value is clear and if no Partner Government Agencies are involved.

Note that ground shipments from Canada via UPS or FedEx ground are subject to an entry preparation fee and disbursement fee. An entry preparation fee is usually included in for express shipments.

[FedEx and UPS ground entry preparation fees](https://www.jetworldwide.com/hubfs/ground-entry-preparation-fees-fedex-ups-usa.pdf)

### Ready to import with confidence?

Get a tailored plan for HS codes, documents, and the best shipping method for your business. Our response time is usually within one business day.

[Request a Quote](https://www.jetworldwide.com/ship-rate) [Talk to an Expert](https://www.jetworldwide.com/contact)

---

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