By Andy Wang     Photo：CANVA

Customs clearance isn’t just about what’s fastest anymore

When people talk about U.S. customs clearance, many used to rely on T86, while T11 has more recently re-emerged as a go-to alternative under the latest policy shifts—simple, fast, and light on paperwork. But as of 2025, that landscape has changed quietly but significantly. From new White House directives to tighter CBP (Customs and Border Protection) enforcement, many exporters in Asia—especially those moving higher-value or regulated goods—have started to shift toward one word: T01 clearance.

So what exactly is T01? In simple terms, it refers to Formal Entry. If your shipment exceeds $2,500 in value or contains items subject to special regulations, you’re legally required to go through the T01 process. It’s not about preference anymore—it’s about compliance.

Clients often ask us, "Do I really have to switch to T01 now?" And our honest answer is: it’s not about whether you want to—it’s about whether you can afford not to.

Why T01 is becoming unavoidable

Here’s some important context behind the shift:

1. T86 is out, and U.S. policy now restricts certain countries of origin (notably China and Hong Kong)
2. The de minimis exemption has tightened—over $800, you’re no longer duty-free
3. CBP now requires full 10-digit HTS codes, detailed descriptions, and true declared values for every shipment

In short, the wiggle room is shrinking. If you keep trying to apply outdated methods, best-case scenario is delay. Worst case? CBP may flag you for misdeclaration or even place you on a watchlist.

How does T01 clearance actually work?

It boils down to three main steps:

• Prepare your documents: Commercial invoice, bill of lading, full HTS classification, product breakdown, and declared value.
• Secure a Customs Bond: This is the entry ticket to formal clearance—you won’t get far without it.
• Partner with experienced brokers: This is critical. Every detail—from how you report values to how you describe goods—can affect your clearance outcome.

(And honestly, we see a lot of companies stumble right here because they didn’t prepare the HTS codes or bond paperwork ahead of time.)

Is T01 slower or more expensive?

It’s a fair question. But rather than asking if it’s faster or cheaper, the real criteria should be: Is it predictable and lower-risk?

T01 has a few advantages:

• Cost control: You’re clearing a consolidated batch, so per-unit costs may actually be lower in the long run
• Operational stability: More paperwork, yes—but fewer surprise audits or detainments
• Long-term certainty: Your business won’t get disrupted if policies shift again

For brands setting up warehousing in the U.S., or B2B exporters doing regular consolidated shipments, T01 isn’t just a backup plan anymore—it’s part of the core playbook.

Who should be adopting T01 right now?

Here are a few clear-cut examples:

• Your shipment value regularly exceeds $2,500 per batch
• Your product falls under higher tariff categories or special rules (FDA, FCC, etc.)
• You’re stocking goods at a U.S. facility or using third-party warehouses
• You want consistent clearance times and reliable logistics flows

If you tick any of these boxes, it’s time to start building your T01 strategy.

Consultant’s corner: 3 tips for switching to T01 the smart way

1. Don’t focus on cost alone—make sure your broker can guide you through end-to-end planning (documents, HTS, tracking)
2. Test with a single SKU or destination first, then scale up
3. Ensure all info lines up: consignee, declared value, HTS codes—it builds trust with the customs officer reviewing your entry

In the cross-border logistics world of 2025, policies are stricter, platforms demand more transparency, and customer tolerance for delays is lower than ever. Going with T01 may feel like an added burden, but it’s actually a smart way to eliminate uncertainty up front.

No need to overthink it. We can walk you through what you need, step by step.

Because let’s face it—just because you cleared once doesn’t mean you’ll clear next time. But with the right partner, you don’t have to worry when the rules change.

Team Global Logistics is your most trusted logistics partner

Appreciate if you could share TGL Blog among your friends who are interested in first-hand market information of supply chain and updated economic incidents.