JFK International Mail Facility · Port 4701
Parcel held at the JFK international mail facility
CBP holds your parcel at JFK and needs a formal entry. The notice is a CBP Form 3509 with a K-number in Box 3. Allied files the entry, and CBP gives the released parcel to USPS for delivery.
Reference
JFK mail facility codes and contacts
- Port code (Box 4)
- 4701
- John F. Kennedy International Airport.
- FIRMS code
- E973
- The code of the place where CBP holds the parcel.
- Mode of transport
- 50
- Mail.
- Local reference number (Box 3)
- K26-1234
- K, the 2-digit year, a dash and a number. The entry uses it without the dash.
- Address
- CBP Mail Facility, JFK AirportBuilding 250Jamaica, NY 11430
- For a returned notice. You cannot pick up parcels here.
You cannot pick up the parcel at JFK
Parcels that CBP clears cannot be picked up at the facility. CBP gives the parcel back to USPS for delivery. Track it with the postal item number in Box 6 of the notice.
The facility letter
What the JFK letter tells you
A licensed customs broker is highly recommended.
The letter recommends a licensed customs broker for the electronic submission of a non-AMS entry.
CBP staff cannot recommend a broker.
You choose the broker. The broker needs your power of attorney before it acts for you.
Do not send documents to CBP unless CBP asks for them.
Send them to your broker instead. When Box 11 asks for value documents, CBP has asked.
To return the parcel, use the original notice.
Write "Return to Sender" across the front of the original notice, sign it and send it back.
Technical
How a JFK mail entry is filed
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Entry type | 01 | Formal consumption entry, free and dutiable. |
| Mode of transport | 50 | Mail. |
| Port of entry | 4701 | JFK. The same code is in Box 4 of the notice. |
| FIRMS code | E973 | The JFK mail facility, where CBP holds the parcel. |
| Bill of lading | K261234 | The Box 3 number without the dash, for example K261234. A postal parcel has no air waybill. |
| Manifest | Non-AMS | The entry is filed as a non-AMS entry. |
| Merchandise processing fee | Yes | ACE rejected a formal mail entry without the MPF (error 633) in September 2026. |
In September 2026 we filed an entry with these fields for a parcel of sport apparel from Germany. The Date of Notice was September 18. CBP released the parcel on September 22, the day we filed the entry. See the full example with the duty calculation.
About the facility
The JFK international mail facility
The USPS International Service Center at JFK is the largest of nine USPS facilities that receive and process inbound international mail (DHS Office of Inspector General, report OIG-18-83). CBP states that the JFK facility processes more than half of all inbound international mail into the United States (CBP, April 2021).
All international mail is subject to CBP examination, with a few exceptions (19 CFR 145.2). Mail that CBP does not keep goes back to USPS for delivery.
Allied CHB is a licensed customs broker in Rahway, New Jersey, about 26 miles from JFK in a straight line. The entry and the power of attorney are electronic, so you do not need to visit us or the facility.
Questions
JFK mail facility: common questions
Where is the JFK international mail facility?
The CBP letter gives the address CBP Mail Facility, JFK Airport, Building 250, Jamaica, NY 11430. You cannot pick up a parcel there. After release, USPS delivers the parcel.
What is the phone number of the JFK mail facility?
The CBP letter that comes with the notice gives (718) 487-2887 for addressees. Have the Box 3 number ready when you call. CBP staff cannot recommend a customs broker.
Do I need a customs broker for a JFK mail entry?
The owner or the purchaser of the goods can make entry. A formal mail entry is filed electronically as a non-AMS entry. The JFK facility letter says that a licensed customs broker is highly recommended for it. CBP staff cannot recommend a broker.
What do port 4701 and FIRMS code E973 mean?
4701 is the CBP port code of JFK, and it is in Box 4 of the notice. E973 is the FIRMS code of the JFK mail facility: the code of the place where CBP holds the parcel. A formal entry for the parcel uses both codes, with mode of transport 50 (mail).
How do I return a parcel held at JFK?
The JFK letter says to write "Return to Sender" across the front of the original notice, sign it and send it back. Box 13 of the notice also has a return request: sign it, date it and send the notice back to the port in Box 2. If you do nothing for 30 days, CBP returns the parcel to the sender.
How long does CBP take to release a parcel at JFK?
In our September 2026 example, CBP released the parcel on the day that we filed the entry, 4 days after the date of the notice. The release time depends on CBP and on the goods.
Parcel held at JFK? Upload the notice.
Call (908) 291-8001 or email mail@alliedchb.com
Last reviewed September 24, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.