How to Use Section 321 Customs for Duty Free Imports

Getting products into the U.S. can be costly and complicated—especially for businesses shipping frequently. But there's a smarter path that many small and mid-sized brands are using to avoid unnecessary import fees: Section 321 customs. This rule allows qualifying shipments valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free, significantly lowering import costs and speeding up delivery.

In fact, over 1.1 billion Section 321 shipments were processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in 2023 alone, showing just how widely this strategy is being used by importers of all sizes.

This guide will show how Section 321 works, who benefits from it, and why ecommerce in Mexico is in a great position to use it effectively. It’s especially relevant for cross-border ecommerce companies looking to scale efficiently without increasing import costs.

How Section 321 Customs Works for Importers

Section 321 customs is a U.S. import rule that allows businesses to bring in shipments valued at $800 or less without paying duties or taxes. This process is considered a de minimis entry and streamlines customs procedures for low-value goods without incurring customs duties.

This helps importers—especially those in ecommerce—reduce costs and avoid long customs delays. To qualify, shipments must meet specific criteria and be pre-cleared digitally.

Here’s how it works:

• Each shipment must not exceed $800 in value
• Only one shipment per recipient is allowed per day
• Goods must be cleared electronically through customs
• The rule applies only to eligible goods (some items are restricted)

By following these steps, importers can simplify entry, avoid duty fees, and speed up order delivery into the U.S.—a key win for ecommerce in Mexican businesses trying to stay competitive.

Why Cross-Border Ecommerce Businesses Use This Strategy

As ecommerce continues to grow across international borders, businesses are searching for ways to speed up customs clearance while cutting shipping costs. Section 321 offers a clear advantage for companies operating in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico by allowing the entry of low-value shipments—valued at $800 or less—without incurring customs duties. This rule helps optimize direct-to-consumer deliveries and reduces regulatory delays, making it especially useful for brands managing high order volumes.

The table below breaks down the key pros and cons of using this strategy, so businesses can weigh the benefits and potential trade-offs before adopting it.

This strategy gives cross-border ecommerce companies an edge in reducing fees and speeding up deliveries—especially for high-volume, direct-to-consumer brands. But it must be used correctly to remain compliant.

Understanding Duty Free Limits for Faster Shipping

Understanding how duty free limits work under Section 321 is key to maintaining customs compliance while keeping your delivery timelines fast. These limits refer to the maximum retail value that a shipment can have—currently $800 USD—to qualify for duty-free imports into the U.S.

Knowing the rules tied to this value threshold helps importers avoid delays and unexpected tariffs. It’s especially critical for cross-border businesses handling large volumes of small packages.

To stay compliant with duty free limits under Section 321, here’s what ecommerce in Mexico businesses need to know:

Step 1: Know the $800 Value Limit

Shipments must not exceed $800 in value; otherwise, they no longer qualify for duty-free status and will incur standard import taxes.

Step 2: One Shipment Per Person Per Day

Importers can only send one duty-free shipment per recipient per day; splitting shipments to the same individual won’t qualify.

Step 3: Ensure Proper Paperwork

Each shipment must be pre-cleared through digital customs systems, which is essential for faster processing and legal compliance.

Step 4: Work With a Reliable Customs Partner

Experienced logistics partners like Visigistics can help ensure compliance, automate documentation, and track daily shipments accurately.

Meeting these duty free limits can help avoid unnecessary fees and unlock faster U.S. entry—a key advantage for cross-border ecommerce businesses that rely on speed and cost control.

How Ecommerce in Mexico Benefits From This Rule

Ecommerce in Mexico has become a major force in North American logistics. Section 321 supports this momentum by helping businesses better align with duty free limits and improve logistics efficiency. Here are a few ways businesses shipping from Mexico benefit from this rule—especially those involved in ecommerce in Mexico seeking to streamline their U.S. delivery operations:

Near-Border Fulfillment Warehouses

Companies can store goods close to the U.S. border and release them daily under Section 321 customs, avoiding warehouse delays and long customs waits.

Faster Delivery to U.S. Customers

Orders can be shipped across the border the same day they are placed, allowing 2-day or even next-day delivery in some regions—a major advantage for ecommerce in Mexico companies aiming to compete with U.S.-based brands.

Reduced Total Logistics Costs

Avoiding import taxes plus lower storage and labor costs in Mexico leads to better margins.

Better Control Over Inventory

Businesses can manage fulfillment more flexibly without committing to long-term storage in the U.S.

Support for Small Package Volume Models

This rule works best for frequent, smaller shipments, which fit many ecommerce in Mexico models that prioritize fast, affordable order fulfillment.

By aligning fulfillment operations with Section 321 customs, these businesses can maintain high-volume, low-cost delivery without sacrificing compliance or speed. This positions them to scale confidently in cross-border markets while meeting the increasing expectations of U.S. customers.

Ready to Unlock Duty-Free Shipping Power?

We understand how challenging it can be to manage shipping costs while keeping deliveries fast and reliable. Section 321 customs is a powerful tool—but only if used correctly.

Visigistics helps businesses create dependable fulfillment strategies that take full advantage of duty free limits, especially for brands expanding cross-border ecommerce through operations in Mexico.

Start your shipping analysis today to explore how your business can benefit from Section 321 and build a cost-efficient import process. Whether you're new to Section 321 customs or looking to improve your current strategy, Visigistics can help guide your next steps.