Bonds · Surety company
Continuous customs bond application
There is no CBP application form for a continuous bond. You apply to a surety company, usually through your customs broker. The surety then files the bond, CBP Form 301, with CBP.
At a glance
- Applied for with
- A surety company, often through your broker
- Bond form
- CBP Form 301
- Term
- 1 year, renews each year until terminated
- Minimum amount
- $50,000, or 10% of past 12 months' duties, taxes and fees
Continuous bond application
What is a continuous bond application?
A continuous bond covers your entries and other bonded activities for one year, and renews each year until it is terminated.
The application is the surety's own form. The surety asks for your identity, your importer number and your expected import activity.
Sureties usually also ask the principal to sign an indemnity agreement. It lets the surety recover from you any amount it pays to CBP.
Who and when
Who needs it and when?
- Importers with more than a few formal entries a year. One continuous bond is often less costly than many single transaction bonds.
- Importers that file their own ISF, or that need a bond for other activities during the year.
- Any importer whose bond CBP finds insufficient after a review.
Roles
Who signs it and who files it?
- You sign the surety's application and indemnity agreement.
- The surety or its agent transmits the bond to ACE. CBP's bond guide describes eBond for approved sureties.
- The bond shows your CBP identification number, so your CBP Form 5106 must be on file first.
Continuous bond application
How does CBP set the amount?
| Factor | Rule |
|---|---|
| Base amount | 10% of duties, taxes and fees in the past 12 months, or $50,000, whichever is greater |
| No import history | Based on your estimate for the next 12 months. Never less than $50,000. |
| Rounding | Up in steps of $10,000 to $100,000, then in steps of $100,000 |
| Unpaid bills | CBP adds 10% of unpaid bills that are protested or less than 210 days past due |
| Older unpaid bills | CBP adds 100% of bills over 210 days past due or with a denied protest |
Avoid delays
What mistakes delay it?
An amount below CBP's formula
Use the formula in the table. A bond below it can lead CBP to require a larger bond.Duties that grow during the year
New duties, such as Section 232 duties, raise the base amount. Review the bond when your duties change.Unpaid CBP bills
Unpaid bills increase the required amount. Pay or protest CBP bills on time.
Official source
Where do I get the official form?
The application comes from the surety, not from CBP. CBP publishes the bond itself (CBP Form 301) and its guide to bond amounts.
Allied CHB
How can Allied help with a continuous bond application?
We estimate the bond amount with you, get the surety's application, and arrange the continuous bond.
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 We quote and arrange your continuous bond.
Request: Help with a continuous bond application
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Questions
What else do people ask about a continuous bond application?
Can I apply for a continuous bond directly with CBP?
No. A surety company issues the bond and files it with CBP. Brokers often act as the surety's agent.
What is the minimum continuous bond?
$50,000, or 10 percent of your duties, taxes and fees in the past 12 months, whichever is greater. CBP's guide sets the rounding steps.
Do I need a continuous bond for one shipment?
No. A single transaction bond covers one entry. A continuous bond suits importers with regular entries.
Need help with a continuous bond application?
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.