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Bonds · CBP

CBP Form 301: Customs Bond

CBP Form 301 is the customs bond. A surety company guarantees to CBP that you will pay duty and follow the rules. Most formal entries need one.

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At a glance

Issued by
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Rules
19 CFR Part 113
Who signs
The principal (importer) and the surety
Who files
The surety, usually electronically (eBond)
Current edition
CBP Form 301 (04/24)

CBP Form 301

What is CBP Form 301?

CBP Form 301 is the contract behind a customs bond. The importer is the principal, and a surety company guarantees the principal's obligations to CBP.

Section II lists activity codes. Activity code 1 is the basic importation and entry bond (19 CFR 113.62). Activity code 16 is the Importer Security Filing bond.

A single transaction bond covers one transaction. A continuous bond covers a one-year period and renews each year until it is terminated.

Who and when

Who needs it and when?

  • Most formal entries need a bond. So do other activities, for example a temporary importation under bond.
  • A single transaction bond is generally not less than the entered value plus duties, taxes and fees. Goods restricted by another agency can need three times their value.
  • A continuous bond is at least $50,000, or 10 percent of the duties, taxes and fees of the past 12 months, whichever is greater.

Roles

Who signs it and who files it?

  • The principal and the surety sign the bond. CBP assigns the bond number.
  • The surety, or its agent, sends the bond to CBP. Approved sureties transmit bonds electronically to ACE through eBond.
  • Customs brokers often arrange bonds as a surety's agent. Allied arranges single transaction and continuous bonds.

Avoid delays

What mistakes delay it?

  • A name or address that does not match the 5106

    The bond principal must match the importer record. A change of name or address on the 5106 needs a bond rider when a bond is active.

  • A continuous bond that is too small

    CBP reviews continuous bonds. If your duties grow, or you have unpaid CBP bills, CBP can require a larger bond.

  • A bond not on file in time

    An entry that needs a bond cannot be filed until the bond is on file. Arrange the bond before the goods arrive.

  • Restricted goods on a small single bond

    For goods restricted by FDA, CPSC or another agency, CBP's guide sets the single transaction bond at three times the value.

Official source

Where do I get the official form?

You do not normally fill in the 301 yourself. The surety prepares it from its own application.

CBP's form page says the OMB date printed on this form has expired, but the form is still valid while OMB reviews it.

Edition checked on September 26, 2026: CBP Form 301 (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 301?

We arrange single transaction and continuous bonds and check that the bond matches your importer record.

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.

Customs bonds Single transaction and continuous bonds, arranged by Allied.

Request: Help with CBP Form 301

Quote on request

Do not send an EIN, a Social Security number or a password in this form. We ask for them securely later.

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

Questions

What else do people ask about CBP Form 301?

What does a customs bond cost?

The surety charges a premium. It depends on the bond amount, the goods and the principal. We quote it before you buy.

Is a bond the same as paying duty?

No. The bond is a guarantee. You still pay the duty. The surety pays CBP only if you do not, and then it collects from you.

How long does a continuous bond last?

One year from its effective date. It renews each year until the principal or the surety terminates it.

Does the ISF need a bond?

Yes. The ISF importer needs a bond with the ISF conditions, for example a basic importation bond or an ISF bond (19 CFR 149.5(b)).

Need help with CBP Form 301?

Tell us what you received or what you plan to import. We reply with the next step and a written quote.

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

Contact usAll customs forms

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.

Sources