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Entry and importer identity · CBP

CBP Form 3461: Entry/Immediate Delivery

CBP Form 3461 is the entry document that asks CBP to release your goods. You do not fill it in. Your customs broker transmits the same data electronically as an ACE cargo release.

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At a glance

Issued by
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Rule
19 CFR 142.3
Who prepares it
Your licensed customs broker
How it is filed
Electronically in ACE (cargo release)
Deadline
15 calendar days after arrival (19 CFR 142.2)

CBP Form 3461

What is CBP Form 3461?

CBP Form 3461 is the Entry/Immediate Delivery form. With the commercial invoice and the evidence of the right to make entry, it is the documentation that secures release (19 CFR 142.3).

Brokers file its electronic equivalent, the ACE cargo release, through the Automated Broker Interface (ABI).

It shows the port of entry, the bond, the importer number and the details of the shipment and its parties.

Who and when

Who needs it and when?

  • Goods that need a formal entry. Entry is due within 15 calendar days after the goods land, or after they arrive at the destination port in bond (19 CFR 142.2(a)).
  • Your broker can file it before the goods arrive (19 CFR 142.2(b)). CBP can then decide on release early.
  • Goods not entered in time go to a general order warehouse.

Roles

Who signs it and who files it?

  • The broker files it in the importer's name under a power of attorney. The importer does not sign a paper 3461.
  • You give the broker the commercial invoice, the packing list, the bill of lading or air waybill, and any documents other agencies need.
  • The entry summary, CBP Form 7501, follows. The broker can also file the entry summary at the time of entry, and then no separate 3461 is needed (19 CFR 142.3(b)).

Avoid delays

What mistakes delay it?

  • An inactive importer number

    ACE rejects the entry if the importer number is missing or inactive. Since July 16, 2026, ACE flags numbers with no entry in 366 days.

  • No bond, or a bond that is too small

    A formal entry needs a bond on file. CBP can require more security when a continuous bond is too small for your activity.

  • Missing agency data

    FDA, USDA, EPA, NHTSA and other agencies need their own data for some goods. A missing message can hold the release. See partner government agencies.

  • Ocean cargo with no ISF

    Ocean shipments need an ISF 24 hours before loading abroad. A late or missing ISF can bring liquidated damages and holds. See the ISF worksheet.

Official source

Where do I get the official form?

The PDF is useful as a reference. Brokers file the data electronically in ACE.

Edition checked on September 26, 2026: CBP Form 3461 (01/25), posted January 17, 2025. 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 3461?

We prepare and transmit the cargo release for your shipment. We check the importer number, the bond and the agency data first.

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.

Our customs entry services Ocean, air, truck and mail entries at all U.S. ports.

Request: Help with CBP Form 3461

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 3461?

Do I need to fill in CBP Form 3461 myself?

No. Your customs broker prepares and transmits it. You give the broker the commercial invoice, packing list, transport document and any agency documents.

What is the difference between CBP Form 3461 and CBP Form 7501?

The 3461 asks CBP to release the goods. The 7501 is the entry summary with classification, value and duty. The entry summary is due within 10 working days after entry (19 CFR 142.12(b)).

Can the 3461 be filed before the goods arrive?

Yes. The entry can be submitted before arrival (19 CFR 142.2(b)).

What if the goods are not entered within 15 days?

The goods go to a general order warehouse. Storage charges apply, and goods left unclaimed can later be sold.

Need help with CBP Form 3461?

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

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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