- (a) Subject to the conditions in § 10.153, and subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, the port director shall pass free of duty and tax any shipment of merchandise, as defined in § 101.1 of this chapter, imported by one person on one day having a fair retail value, as evidenced by an oral declaration or the bill of lading (or other document filed as the entry) or manifest listing each bill of lading, in the country of shipment not exceeding $800, unless he has reason to believe that the shipment is one of several lots covered by a single order or contract and that it was sent separately for the express purpose of securing free entry therefor or of avoiding compliance with any pertinent law or regulation. Merchandise subject to this exemption shall be entered under the informal entry procedures (see subpart C, part 143, and §§ 128.24, 145.31, 148.12, and 148.62 of this chapter).
- (b) The exemption provided in paragraph (a) of this section is suspended for merchandise arriving via all modes other than through the international postal network until such time as CBP determines that the application of the exemption is no longer inconsistent with the purpose of 19 U.S.C. 1321(a), no longer jeopardizes the revenue, and no longer facilitates unlawful importations. Notice of a modification or revocation of this suspension will be announced by the Commissioner in the Federal Register. For provisions regarding the availability of the exemption provided in paragraph (a) for merchandise arriving through the international postal network, see § 145.31 of this chapter.
[CBP Dec. 26-12, 91 FR 37800, June 24, 2026]