Mail and e-commerce
International Mail Facility (IMF)
An international mail facility (IMF) is a place where CBP examines international mail before the U.S. Postal Service delivers it.
What does International Mail Facility (IMF) mean?
All mail from outside the U.S. customs territory is subject to CBP examination, with a few exceptions for official and diplomatic mail (19 CFR 145.2). CBP does this work at international mail facilities.
When a parcel needs a formal entry, CBP holds it at the facility and notifies the addressee on CBP Form 3509 (19 CFR 145.12(a)(4)). The addressee then has 30 days to act (19 CFR 132.25).
The facility at JFK Airport in New York is one example. After CBP releases a parcel, the U.S. Postal Service delivers it.
What does it mean for your shipment?
If tracking shows a parcel held at a mail facility, wait for the CBP Form 3509 before you act. We file the formal entry when CBP asks for one.
Allied CHB, licensed customs broker, CBP filer code 9AJ.
Where does this come from?
Read more on this site
Trade News about International Mail Facility
- Oct 7CBP holds support call today on the Entry Type 13 mail test in ACE
- Sep 4CBP Reschedules Support Call for New Mail Entry Type 13 Test
- Jul 21CBP posted more technical guides for the mail Entry Type 13 test in ACE
- Jul 8CBP detailed new postal informal entry process for mail shipments under $2,500
- Jan 29CBP added more parties certified to pay duty on international mail shipments
All glossary terms · General information, not legal advice.