Post-entry · CBP
CBP Form 19: Protest
CBP Form 19 is the protest form. You use it to contest a CBP decision, such as the liquidation of an entry. Today protests are usually filed electronically in ACE.
At a glance
- Rules
- 19 CFR 174.11 and 174.12
- Deadline
- 180 days after liquidation or the decision
- Where filed
- ACE Protest module, or on paper at the port
- CBP decision
- Within 2 years (19 CFR 174.21)
- After a denial
- Court of International Trade, within 180 days
CBP Form 19
What is CBP Form 19?
CBP Form 19 is the protest under section 514 of the Tariff Act (19 U.S.C. 1514). It asks CBP to review a decision.
You can protest decisions on value, classification and rate, charges, exclusion of goods, liquidation, and refused drawback claims (19 CFR 174.11).
Section V of the form lets you also apply for further review by CBP headquarters.
IEEPA duty refunds use CAPE declarations
For IEEPA duties, CBP issues refunds through CAPE declarations in the ACE Portal. How IEEPA refunds work.
Who and when
Who needs it and when?
- The importer or consignee, their surety, a person who paid a charge, a drawback claimant, or their agent can file (19 CFR 174.12(a)).
- File within 180 days after the date of liquidation or the date of the decision (19 CFR 174.12(e)).
- A protest against the exclusion of goods must say so on its face. CBP must act on it within 30 days (19 CFR 174.21(b)).
Roles
Who signs it and who files it?
- The protesting party or its agent signs. An electronic certification in ACE counts as a signature (19 CFR 174.12(c)).
- CBP's protest page says the importer, its broker or its attorney can file. A broker files with the importer's power of attorney.
- CBP must allow or deny the protest within 2 years of filing (19 CFR 174.21). You can ask for accelerated disposition (19 CFR 174.22).
Avoid delays
What mistakes delay it?
A late protest
CBP denies an untimely protest. Count 180 days from the liquidation date, not from the day you saw the notice.General statements
For each decision, give the claim and the facts and legal arguments. The form says general statements of conclusions are not sufficient.Missing entry details
Give the port, entry number, entry date and liquidation date, so CBP can identify the decision.No action after a denial
After a denial, you have 180 days from the mailing of the notice to file suit at the Court of International Trade (form note).
Official source
Where do I get the official form?
CBP accepts a protest on CBP Form 19, or electronically in the ACE Protest module. A paper protest is filed in quadruplicate at the port (19 CFR 174.12(b)).
- Official pageCBP Form 19 on cbp.gov (opens in a new tab)
- Current formCBP Form 19 (PDF, cbp.gov) (opens in a new tab)
- Also officialCBP: Protests (opens in a new tab)
Edition checked on September 26, 2026: CBP Form 19 (04/24). We link to the official source and do not host copies, because agencies replace forms without notice.
Allied CHB
How can Allied help with CBP Form 19?
We check the deadline, prepare the protest with the facts and the rules, and file it in ACE under your power of attorney.
Allied CHB is a licensed U.S. customs broker in Rahway, New Jersey, CBP filer code 9AJ. We file at all U.S. ports of entry.
Post-summary correction or protest Which route fits your entry, the deadlines, and how we file.
Request: Help with CBP Form 19
Quote on request
Questions
What else do people ask about CBP Form 19?
Can Allied file my protest?
Yes. As your licensed customs broker, with your power of attorney, we can file it in ACE. A complex legal dispute can also need a customs attorney.
How long does CBP take to decide?
CBP must allow or deny it within 2 years. With accelerated disposition, a protest not decided within 30 days of the request is treated as denied (19 CFR 174.22).
Can I protest before liquidation?
Some decisions are protestable from their own date, for example an exclusion or a demand for redelivery (19 CFR 174.12(e)(2)). Most protests follow liquidation.
Is the paper Form 19 still accepted?
Yes. 19 CFR 174.12 allows a paper protest at the port or an electronic protest in ACE.
Need help with CBP Form 19?
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.