Entry and clearance
Formal Entry
A formal entry is the full customs entry, with a customs bond and an entry summary. Shipments over $2,500, and some goods at any value, need one.
What does Formal Entry mean?
Informal entry is available only for shipments of $2,500 or less and for some other listed goods (19 CFR 143.21). CBP can require a formal entry for any merchandise (19 CFR 143.22).
A formal entry needs cargo release data, a bond and an entry summary on CBP Form 7501 with estimated duties (19 CFR 142.3, 142.4, 142.12). It pays the merchandise processing fee of 0.3464 percent, with a yearly minimum and maximum.
CBP liquidates a formal entry later. In the ordinary course, ACE schedules liquidation 314 days after entry.
Mail has its own rules. Mail over $2,500 needs a formal entry, and quota goods, AD/CVD goods, alcohol and tobacco need one at any value (19 CFR 145.12(a)(2)). From October 22, 2026, other-agency goods and Chapter 98 or 99 goods also need one, unless they use entry type 13.
What does it mean for your shipment?
We file formal entries for commercial shipments and for mail that CBP holds for formal entry. For your first formal entry, we need a power of attorney, a bond and your CBP Form 5106 data.
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.