Beat the Tariffs with Smart Routing: How Section 321 / Type 86 Imports Can Give You an Edge
Tariffs are an unavoidable reality for many importers. But smart shippers have found a way around them – legally – using Section 321 / Type 86. With the right setup, your shipments can enter the U.S. duty-free under the $800 de minimis threshold, giving you a serious competitive advantage. The key? Flexibility, agility, and knowing how to make the system work for you.
Section 321 and Type 86: A Refresher
Section 321 allows shipments valued at $800 or less to enter the U.S. duty-free, once per day, per consignee. Type 86 takes it a step further, allowing these shipments to be cleared electronically, even with FDA or other agency oversight, as long as you comply with certain data requirements.
The Loophole: How Reworking and Re-Routing Unlocks Duty-Free Access
The catch is, many goods – especially from countries like China – are subject to heavy tariffs before they even get a chance at 321 clearance. The workaround? Ship to a near-shore country like Mexico or Canada first.
Here’s where things get interesting:
- By combining or separating SKUs
- Repackaging
- Updating labels
- Or even adding simple modifications like color changes or logo placement
…you can often classify these goods differently upon re-export. When done right, the re-exported product from Mexico or Canada qualifies for Section 321 / Type 86 upon entry to the U.S.
This method isn’t just a loophole – it’s a strategy. And one that many brands are using to stay competitive without sacrificing margin to tariffs.
CommerceBlitz OMNI: Your Bolt-On Advantage
Executing this strategy requires tight coordination between inventory systems, shipping processes, and rework workflows. That’s where CommerceBlitz OMNI comes in.
CommerceBlitz OMNI acts as a bolt-on solution, giving you a flexible, modular platform that integrates seamlessly with your existing eCommerce and logistics stack.
- Use our OMNI Aggregator to consolidate feeds from suppliers across borders
- Push updated SKUs to all your sales channels via OMNI Balancer
- Route orders and rework instructions to near-shore warehouses using OMNI Routes
The result: real-time visibility, fast decision-making, and the ability to shift between Mexico, Canada, or other fulfillment hubs as tariff rules evolve.
Be Ready for What’s Next
Global trade policies are anything but stable. Whether the next disruption comes from rising duties, trade restrictions, or shifts in consumer demand, the brands that win will be the ones that adapt fastest.
By combining smart routing with CommerceBlitz OMNI, you’re not just avoiding tariffs – you’re building a nimble import strategy that scales.
Want to start using Section 321 to your advantage?
Let’s talk about how CommerceBlitz OMNI can help you build a flexible, near-shore import strategy that’s ready for anything.