What Is Section 321? The E-Commerce Shipping Loophole Explained

① 🪝 Impression Hook

Like a secret shipping loophole that turns small packages into big savings, Section 321 is the e-commerce edge you never knew you needed.

② 🗺️ Schema Map

🔑 Point A — Section 321 allows duty-free entry for low-value shipments (under $800) into the U.S.
📈 Point B — E-commerce brands leveraging this rule cut customs costs and speed up delivery.
📉 Point C — Misclassification or overvaluation risks penalties and loss of benefits.
🌐 Point D — With rising enforcement, compliance is no longer optional—it's strategic.

TL;DR: Section 321 lets low-value imports enter the U.S. duty-free—smart brands use it to save and scale.

③ 🧩 Triple-Chunk Core

Chunk 1 – What happened
Section 321 (19 U.S.C. 1321) permits the U.S. to admit goods valued under $800 duty-free per shipment, a century-old rule now pivotal for cross-border e-commerce.

Chunk 2 – Impact
Brands using Section 321 slash shipping costs, avoid customs delays, and offer faster delivery—critical for winning in direct-to-consumer markets.

Chunk 3 – Insight
With CBP tightening audits, qualifying shipments must meet strict criteria: genuine low value, proper documentation, and single-buyer/single-seller alignment.

④ 📚 Glossary

Section 321 — A U.S. customs provision allowing duty-free entry of goods under $800 per inbound shipment.
De Minimis Value — The $800 threshold set by Section 321 for tariff-free importation into the U.S.

⑤ 🔄 Micro-Recall

Q1: What is the Section 321 de minimis value?
A1: $800 per shipment.

Q2: Who benefits most from Section 321?
A2: E-commerce sellers shipping low-value goods to U.S. customers.

Q3: Can multiple items in one shipment qualify?
A3: Yes, if total value is under $800 and shipped to one recipient.

⑥ 🚀 Action Anchor

for e-commerce & logistics decision makers：
1️⃣ Audit your international shipments to identify Section 321 eligibility.
2️⃣ Partner with a 3PL that ensures compliant packaging, valuation, and documentation.
3️⃣ Monitor CBP updates—compliance today prevents penalties tomorrow.
Turn small shipments into a scalable advantage.