International Parcel Delivery | Blog

Low Cost E-commerce Clearance for Online Orders to the US

Written by Timothy Byrnes | January 12, 2016

Shipping to USA Direct has several advantages for online sellers

Cargo vs. Express Clearance

There is a struggle of sorts within the express parcel logistics community regarding express versus cargo clearance.

A brief history:

High volume parcel imports are largely regulated by the "express consignment" section of customs regulations. Carriers who wish to benefit from express clearance processes must comply with complex regulations which include using an Express Consignment Clearance Facility (ECCF) and "reimburse" customs costs. Shippers are most often opting for cargo clearance (CFS) or type 86 (see below).

SECTION 321 TYPE 86?

The pending new entry type 86 for section 321 is full of possibilities to expand the section 321 duty free benefits and ease of processing to more categories of products. Furthermore, it is increasingly likely that the cost of an express consignment facility may not be required.

There is a debate amongst e-commerce import specialists about the value of paying US Customs for express clearance when cargo clearance gets similar treatment and clearance time.

Most of the action related to high volume parcel import has been at the gateway cities of New York and Los Angeles. However, inland ports are becoming more attractive due to increased direct flights from Asia and local customs who are allowing high volume cargo clearance.

 

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Non-Express Solutions for shipments over $800?

All the high value e-commerce clearance solutions mentioned above relate to shipments valued under $800 and cleared under“section 321.” There is a growing concern about the number of shipments that are truly valued under $800 (see our blogs on valuation & under-declared values).

  • High volume parcel import solutions to the USA
  • Express Consignment (Part 128) parcel clearance
  • Cargo (CFS) USA parcel clearance
  • E-commerce parcel import solutions to the USA

Jet Worldwide helps companiesbuild scaleable high volume parcel import processes to the USA. While unique "below the radar" solutions certainly exist, we believe the regulators will eventually be forced to recognize the discrepancy between costly express and free cargo clearance and will enhance their enforcement of proper valuations. We recommend using a carrier that canaccess express and cargo facilities to ensure your solution can adapt to regulatory changes and continue to insure uninterrupted service.