In a "back to the future moment" there is renewed concern about a potential government shutdown as political leaders play a high stakes game of brinksmanship.See note below explaining Section 321.
At Jet Worldwide, we help importers ensure access to Express Consignment Clearance Facilities (ECCF's) to minimize the potential for customs delays during this peak holiday season.
Establish your own direct import processes via an ECCF and Section 321 processes.
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The showdown between President Trump and the Democratic leadership has recently become more heated with threatening tweets and statement.The December 8th deadline for an agreement looms large as it seems unlikely that both side will again "kick the can" further down the road.
What does a potential government shutdown mean for USA parcel clearance?
In general, government services considered critical are likely to continue.In this scenario, general freight clearance is more likely to suffer significant delays than express consignment clearance (ECCF).
Although there are no guarantees regarding any customs clearance in theevent of government shutdown, it is expected that express consignments will be far less likely to suffer delays than cargo (CFS) clearance.
Shutdown or CBP clearance Slowdown for e-commerce parcels?
Such regulatory un-certainty highlights the lesson for e-commerce importers to diversify their import processes between various carriers, methods of import and clearance processes.
In theory, Express Consignment Clearance Facilities (ECCF's) are self funded by the industry.Customs costs are reimbursed via a per consignment fee.Furthermore, the express designation of ECCF shipments makes it more likely that these clearances will be designed a critical service that must be maintained.
The effects of government slowdowns has proven the benefit of having secure direct import high volume parcel clearance processes that ensure delivery during the holidays, strikes and government slow downs.
Jet Worldwide helps companies develop simultaneous express and cargo clearance capabilities that ensure a more durable supply chain for individual order e-commerce parcel imports.
Contact our team for information on setting up duty free CBP section 321 entries and informal entries via ECCF's. Being proactive!
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.
Most goods cleared via a section 321 informal entry are imported under Part 128 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).As such, they are imported to facilities with port codes that define them as Express facilities or ECCF's.Many express operators are also able to clear via freight facilities (with section 321 processes) known as a Container Freight Station or CFS.
For importers who have H.S. codes, it may be best to use a Section 321 "type 86" entry.Using this entry type, goods can be imported via traditional methods using the Automated Broker Interface or ABI system.
