Customs bonds
Customs Bond
A customs bond is a surety's guarantee to CBP that the importer will pay duties, taxes and fees and obey the import rules.
What does Customs Bond mean?
The bond is a contract between the principal, for example the importer, and a surety company. The principal can also secure the bond with cash in lieu of a surety.
CBP does not release goods on a formal entry without a bond that contains the conditions of 19 CFR 113.62 (19 CFR 142.4). The conditions include the payment of duties and the ISF rules.
There are two forms. A single transaction bond covers one entry. A continuous bond covers the entries of the principal for a one-year period and renews automatically.
Postal informal entries also need a bond since July 24, 2026 (19 CFR 145.15). If the principal defaults, CBP can collect from the surety up to the amount of the bond.
What does it mean for your shipment?
We arrange single transaction and continuous bonds through a surety for our clients. Tell us your expected yearly duty, so that we can size the bond.
Allied CHB, licensed customs broker, CBP filer code 9AJ.
Where does this come from?
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All glossary terms · General information, not legal advice.