Did CPSC change its eFiling date for international mail? What it means for importers
Yes. CPSC’s October 2026 mail guidance, posted October 20, 2026, moves eFiled certificates for international mail from October 22, 2026 to January 20, 2027, matching CBP’s new date for mandatory Entry Type 13. Until then, importers who ship by mail still enter certificate data in CPSC’s Product Registry before the product arrives.
What changed, October 20 to 22, 2026
| Date | Agency | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 20 | CPSC | Mail guidance, October 2026 edition: eFiled certificates for mail, through a Full or Reference message set, from January 20, 2027; the July 2026 edition said October 22, 2026 CPSC mail guidance CPSC document library |
| Oct. 22 | CBP | Final rule: the compliance date for formal entry of regulated mail, 19 CFR 145.12(a)(2)(v) and (vi), is January 20, 2027; the current informal mail process stays until then 91 FR 66638 |
| Oct. 22 | CBP | Entry Type 13 test: entries are accepted for now without complete electronic agency (PGA) data; a future notice will end this 91 FR 66707 |
CBP had announced the new date on October 14 CBP release, Oct. 14, 2026. The final rule makes it official.
What it means for a small importer
- Today: certificate data for mailed products goes in the Product Registry before arrival 16 CFR 1110.13(a)(1).
- From January 20, 2027: regulated mail needs Entry Type 13 or formal entry CBP release, Oct. 14, 2026, and CPSC requires a Full or Reference message set with it CPSC mail guidance. The rule’s text still requires Registry data before arrival for mail 16 CFR 1110.13(a)(1). With a Reference set, your broker sends three Registry identifiers.
- The new flexibility on agency data is CBP’s, and temporary. CPSC’s guidance does not mention it, and it does not remove CPSC’s rule (Registry data before arrival) or its guidance (a Full or Reference message set from January 20).
- If a post, carrier or forwarder is the consignee, a licensed broker files the Entry Type 13 91 FR 38007.
- CBP’s proposal to apply these entry and data requirements to all mail packages except letters and flats CBP release, Oct. 14, 2026 is open for comment until December 7, 2026 91 FR 64532.
What did not change
Value still does not matter: there is no de minimis exemption from eFiling CPSC eFiling FAQ. The importer certifies and is responsible for eFiling, and for mail can be any party eligible to make entry 16 CFR 1110.3 CPSC mail guidance. A certificate still needs every element of 16 CFR 1110.11.
We prepare the certificate data once, for the Registry today and for either message set from January 20: your CPC or GCC with every element of 16 CFR 1110.11, a Product Registry import file in CPSC’s CSV template with a step-by-step guide, and a broker sheet with the three identifiers. $79 per product in 2 U.S. business days, or the next business day for +$40.
We do not file entries, post bonds or clear parcels. A licensed customs broker does.
Last reviewed: November 5, 2026 · First published: October 22, 2026 · Not legal advice.
Sources read November 5, 2026
- CPSC, Guidance for Mail Shipments on eFiling of Certificates, October 2026 (posted Oct. 20, 2026)
- CPSC, eFiling Document Library
- CBP final rule, mail entry: delayed compliance extension to Jan. 20, 2027, 91 FR 66638 (Oct. 22, 2026)
- CBP notice, Modification of the Test of the New Electronic Informal Entry Process for Mail, 91 FR 66707 (Oct. 22, 2026)
- CBP news release, International Mail Entry Type 13 mandatory implementation date extended to Jan. 20, 2027 (Oct. 14, 2026)
- 16 CFR 1110.13 — Certificate availability and eFiling
- CBP notice, Test of the New Electronic Informal Entry Process for Mail (Entry Type 13), 91 FR 38007 (June 24, 2026)
- CBP proposed rule, Low-Value Shipments, 91 FR 64532 (Oct. 8, 2026); comments due Dec. 7, 2026
- CPSC, eFiling Frequently Asked Questions
- 16 CFR 1110.3 — Definitions (importer, Product Registry)
- 16 CFR 1110.11 — Certificate content