With online merchants winning the battle for retail, there are new opportunities for retailers to ship individual orders direct from Asia, Europe and South America to the US.
Traditional Supply Chain versus "Section 321" Parcel Logistics
US Customs allows most individual orders valued under $800 USD to be imported duty free into the USA without an H.S.Code using an entry type known as a Section 321. Using this entry type, importers can consolidate all their qualifying orders under one manifest entry 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.
Section 321 is a designated entry type for individual consignments valued under $800. The different types of section 321 include:
Section 321 import entry: American retailers can arrange to have the vast majority of their orders sent directly to the consumer from Asia (or from any other region) duty free.
Express Consignment Direct to USA Parcel Logistics
Jet Worldwide advises retailers on how to set up their own parcel logistics network from Asia to the USA using an Express Consignment Clearance Facility (ECCF), multiple ports of entry, and low cost ground delivery. From order in China to delivery to their American customer be as fast as 2-5 days.
JetWorldwide.com