If you sell online and import into the United States, Section 321 could remove duty on a large share of your shipments. Here’s what it is and how eCommerce brands use it.
What is Section 321?
Section 321 of the Tariff Act allows one shipment per person, per day, valued at $800 or less, to enter the US free of duty and taxes — the “de minimis” threshold. For direct-to-consumer parcels, that covers a huge portion of eCommerce volume.
Why it matters for eCommerce
Lower landed cost, faster clearance and simpler paperwork. For high-volume online sellers shipping from China, India or elsewhere, de minimis can meaningfully improve margins on each order.
Requirements and limits
- One de minimis shipment per person, per day.
- Fair retail value of $800 or less.
- Some goods are excluded, and certain products still require Partner Government Agency (PGA) review.
- Accurate manifest data is essential — misdeclaration risks penalties.
How to use it
Most high-volume importers clear de minimis parcels through the Entry Type 86 process, which allows electronic filing with the required data. A customs broker keeps you compliant while moving volume quickly.
Prime Cargo People provides high-volume eCommerce clearance — Section 321 to doorstep, B2C and B2B — through our own in-house customs desk.