CBP Proposes New Rule to Strengthen Oversight of Low-Value Shipments
CBP Proposes New Rule to Strengthen Oversight of Low-Value Shipments
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently announced a proposed rule that could significantly impact how brokers and freight forwarders handle low-value shipments, also known as de minimis shipments, which are valued at $800 or less. This new rule aims to improve compliance, enhance security, and streamline customs processes for the growing volume of global trade (CBP, 2025).
If your business supports international shipping, here’s what you need to know about CBP’s proposed Entry of Low-Value Shipments (ELVS) rule and how it could affect your operations.
Why Is This Happening?
Every day, CBP processes over 4 million Low Value Shipments. The sheer volume presents challenges for targeting high-risk packages that may contain counterfeit goods, unsafe products, or even synthetic drugs like fentanyl.
This proposed rule will address these gaps by requiring more comprehensive shipment data, enabling CBP to better identify risks and enforce trade regulations (Apple News, 2025).
What Changes Are Being Proposed?
Here’s how the ELVS rule will impact brokers and freight forwarders:
- Enhanced Shipment Data:
Importers, and by extension their brokers and forwarders, will need to ensure the following data is provided:- Detailed descriptions of goods: Clear and precise information about the nature of the items.
- Accurate value declarations: Ensuring shipments qualify for the de minimis exemption.
- Complete sender and receiver information: Including full addresses and contact details.
- Harmonized System (HS) codes: For accurate classification and compliance with trade regulations (CBP, 2025).
- Fully Electronic Filing:
The rule mandates that shipment data be submitted electronically before arrival at U.S. ports, reducing manual paperwork and ensuring faster processing (Apple News, 2025). - Improved Targeting and Compliance:
With enhanced data, CBP will be able to focus its resources on high-risk shipments, protecting supply chain integrity and reducing the chances of violations impacting your clients’ shipments (CBP, 2025).
Why This Matters for Brokers and Freight Forwarders
The proposed changes mean brokers and forwarders will play an even greater role in ensuring compliance. You’ll need to work closely with clients to collect accurate data and adapt your systems for electronic filing. While this may require operational adjustments, the benefits will be reduced delays, improved security, and streamlined customs processing, which will position your business as a trusted partner in the evolving global trade landscape.
The Bigger Picture
The ELVS rule is part of a broader initiative to modernize trade enforcement and address vulnerabilities in de minimis shipments. Platforms like Shein and Temu, which account for a large share of these shipments, have come under scrutiny for exploiting the exemption, with nearly half of de minimis imports originating from China (Apple News, 2025).
By tightening regulations, CBP aims to safeguard U.S. consumers, workers, and manufacturers while ensuring a level playing field for compliant businesses.
How Can Brokers and Forwarders Prepare?
CBP is inviting public comments on the proposed rule to gather feedback from stakeholders, including brokers and freight forwarders. The comment period is open for 60 days, and you can share your thoughts directly on the proposed changes by visiting the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal at regulations.gov (CBP, 2025).
At Portway International, we understand the critical role brokers and freight forwarders play in navigating the complexities of customs regulations. The ELVS rule represents a significant shift, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team specializes in helping brokers and freight forwarders adapt to regulatory changes, streamline compliance, and deliver seamless service to their clients. Contact us today and see how we can help you navigate these changes.
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