Resources · Forms

Customs forms library

20 forms that U.S. importers ask us about, grouped by topic. Each guide says what the form is, who signs and files it, what delays it, and where to get the official version.

Entry and importer identity

Which forms set up an importer and enter the goods?

The importer number, the power of attorney, the entry and the entry summary. Your broker files the entry forms electronically.

Entry and importer identity: forms, who uses them, and links to our guide and the official source
Form	Name	Who uses it	Official source
CBP Form 5106	Create/Update Importer Identity FormCBP	Every importer of record and ultimate consignee, before the first formal entry	cbp.gov (opens in a new tab)
CBP Form 4811	Special Address NotificationCBP	Importers who want CBP bills, refunds or liquidation notices sent to an agent	cbp.gov (opens in a new tab)
CBP Form 3461	Entry/Immediate DeliveryCBP	Filed by your customs broker so CBP releases the goods	cbp.gov (opens in a new tab)
CBP Form 7501	Entry SummaryCBP	Filed by your customs broker for each formal entry	cbp.gov (opens in a new tab)
Customs POA	Customs power of attorney (Allied CHB)Allied CHB	Every Allied client, before we file anything with CBP	eCFR (19 CFR 141.32) (opens in a new tab)

Bonds

Which forms cover customs bonds?

A bond guarantees duty and compliance to CBP. A surety company issues it on CBP Form 301.

Bonds: forms, who uses them, and links to our guide and the official source
Form	Name	Who uses it	Official source
CBP Form 301	Customs BondCBP	Importers of record, through a surety, for formal entries	cbp.gov (opens in a new tab)
Continuous bond application	Application for a continuous customs bondSurety company	Importers with regular entries, through a surety	cbp.gov (bond guide) (opens in a new tab)

Post-entry

Which forms come after the entry?

CBP questions, proposed changes and protests. These start with a CBP notice or a CBP decision on your entry.

Post-entry: forms, who uses them, and links to our guide and the official source
Form	Name	Who uses it	Official source
CBP Form 28	Request for InformationCBP	Importers who receive a CBP request after entry	cbp.gov (opens in a new tab)
CBP Form 29	Notice of ActionCBP	Importers whose entry CBP proposes to change or has changed	eCFR (19 CFR 152.2) (opens in a new tab)
CBP Form 19	ProtestCBP	Importers and others who contest a CBP decision, often after liquidation	cbp.gov (opens in a new tab)

Personal and returned goods

Which forms cover personal and returned goods?

Household goods, U.S. goods that come back, articles registered before export, and parcels held at a mail facility.

Personal and returned goods: forms, who uses them, and links to our guide and the official source
Form	Name	Who uses it	Official source
CBP Form 3299	Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied ArticlesCBP	People moving to or back to the U.S. who ship household goods separately	cbp.gov (opens in a new tab)
CBP Form 3311	Declaration for Free Entry of Returned American ProductsCBP	Importers bringing back U.S.-made goods that were exported	cbp.gov (opens in a new tab)
CBP Form 4455	Certificate of RegistrationCBP	Owners who export articles for repair, alteration, processing or use abroad	cbp.gov (opens in a new tab)
CBP Form 3509	Notice to Addressee of Arrival of Mail ShipmentCBP	Addressees of international parcels held by CBP at a mail facility	Issued by CBP (opens in a new tab)

Vehicles and animals

Which forms cover vehicles, engines and dogs?

Safety and emissions declarations for vehicles and engines, and the CDC form for every dog.

Vehicles and animals: forms, who uses them, and links to our guide and the official source
Form	Name	Who uses it	Official source
DOT Form HS-7	Declaration for imported motor vehicles and equipment (FMVSS)DOT (NHTSA)	Importers of motor vehicles and regulated vehicle equipment	nhtsa.gov (opens in a new tab)
EPA Form 3520-1	Declaration for imported motor vehicles and engines (emissions)EPA	Importers of cars, highway motorcycles and their engines	epa.gov (opens in a new tab)
EPA Form 3520-21	Declaration for imported engines, vehicles and equipment (emissions)EPA	Importers of nonroad, marine, stationary and heavy-duty engines, and machines with them	epa.gov (opens in a new tab)
CDC Dog Import Form	CDC Dog Import Form (online)CDC	Anyone bringing a dog into the United States	cdc.gov (opens in a new tab)

Invoices and ISF

What must the invoice and the ISF show?

No official form exists for these two. The regulations list the data, and we list it here.

Invoices and ISF: forms, who uses them, and links to our guide and the official source
Form	Name	Who uses it	Official source
Commercial invoice	Commercial invoice requirements (19 CFR 141.86)CBP rule	Every seller, shipper and importer of commercial goods	eCFR (19 CFR 141.86) (opens in a new tab)
ISF (10+2)	Importer Security Filing data elements worksheetCBP	Importers of ocean cargo, before the container is loaded abroad	cbp.gov (opens in a new tab)

Official copies

Why do you link to the agencies instead of hosting the PDFs?

CBP, NHTSA, EPA and CDC replace their forms without notice. An old edition can be rejected. For example, CBP accepts only the 12/25 edition of CBP Form 4811 since February 6, 2026. Each guide links to the official page and the current file, and shows the edition we checked on September 26, 2026.

Many of these forms are filed electronically by your customs broker, so you never fill in the PDF. The guides say which ones.

Not sure which form you need?

Tell us what you are importing, or send us the CBP notice you received. We tell you which forms apply and who files them.

Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com

Last reviewed September 26, 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.