Customs and Border Protection is expected to publish in the Federal Register its interim final rule mandating the advance electronic information for international mail shipments on March 15, 2021.
The interim final rule (IFR) was signed by DHS Secretary Mayorkas on Feb. 26, announcing regulations that allow CBP to implement provisions in the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act enacted in October 2018. These regulations will strengthen the sharing of advance electronic data (AED) between the U.S. Postal Service and CBP for packages and mail.
The IFR amends CBP’s regulations of mail imports to establish a mandatory AED program (Advance Electronic Data) for certain inbound mail shipments. These regulations are expected to enhance CBP’s ability to conduct targets and risk assessments of inbound mail containing dangerous narcotics, counterfeit goods, and illicit biological matter.
Specifically, CBP expects regulations to help “disrupt the flow of illicit supply chains that exploit the postal environment and will reduce shipments of illicit fentanyl and other dangerous goods from entering the country.
