US Customs Bonds
Continuous and single transaction customs bonds for US imports, placed with a surety and filed in ACE.
Do I need a customs bond to import into the US?
Yes, a customs bond is required for any commercial import valued over $2,500, because that shipment needs a formal entry and CBP does not release a formal entry without a bond (19 CFR 142.4). A customs bond is a contract between you (the importer), a surety company, and CBP that guarantees payment of all duties, taxes, and fees. It also guarantees that you follow the import rules in 19 CFR 113.62.
- Goods over $250 classified in Chapter 99, Subchapter III or IV (for example many Section 232 and Section 301 goods) also need a formal entry and a bond (19 CFR 143.21).
- Goods that other agencies regulate (FDA, USDA, CPSC, EPA, DOT) often need a bond at any value. CBP can require a formal entry for any shipment (19 CFR 143.22).
- An ocean importer also needs a bond for the Importer Security Filing (19 CFR 149.5).
Continuous bond or single entry bond: which one do you need?
CBP accepts two kinds of import bond (activity code 1, basic importation and entry). A single transaction bond, also called a single entry bond, covers one entry. A continuous bond covers all your entries at all US ports for one year. The table compares them.
| Single transaction bond | Continuous bond | |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | One entry | All your entries at all US ports for one year. It renews each year until someone terminates it. |
| Usual bond amount | The entered value plus duties, taxes and fees. Three times the value for restricted goods. | 10% of your duties, taxes and fees of the last 12 months, at least $50,000. |
| ISF for ocean shipments | A separate ISF bond is needed, at least $10,000. | The continuous bond covers your ISF. |
| When the surety files it | With the entry, for that transaction. | Before the effective date, up to 60 days in advance. |
| Who it fits | A first shipment, a one-time import or a rare import. | An importer with regular shipments. |
Not sure? Put your numbers into the customs bond calculator. It applies CBP's formula for both bond types. The guide customs bond explained describes the rules in detail.
What does Allied CHB do?
Allied CHB is a licensed US customs broker (filer code 9AJ). We arrange the bond with a surety company that the Treasury Department approves, and we file your entries against it at all US ports.
- Size the bond from your import history or your forecast
- Place single transaction bonds, continuous bonds and ISF bonds with a surety
- Check that the bond is on file in ACE before your cargo arrives
- Riders for a new company name, address or trade name
- Bond sufficiency monitoring and proactive increases
- Terminate an old bond and replace it without a gap in coverage
How to get a customs bond: what do you send us?
For a single transaction bond, send the commercial invoice, the packing list and the bill of lading or air waybill for the shipment. The surety needs the value and the nature of the goods (19 CFR 113.11). For a continuous bond, send your legal company name and address, your EIN, a description of the goods, and your duties, taxes and fees for the last 12 months. A new importer sends an estimate for the next 12 months instead.
Both bonds need an importer record with CBP (CBP Form 5106) and a signed power of attorney for Allied CHB. The surety can ask for more, for example financial statements. From September 18, 2026, CBP can void an importer number when the CBP Form 5106 data is not accurate, so check it first.
How fast is the bond on file in ACE?
The surety transmits the bond to ACE electronically through eBond, with the data of CBP Form 301. CBP says that sureties report bonds fully processed in ACE in as little as 30 seconds. We can procure a single entry bond for you within the same business day.
A continuous bond takes longer, because the surety must first approve the application. The time depends on the surety's review. A continuous bond can be filed up to 60 days before its effective date (19 CFR 113.26), so apply before your first shipment ships.
How much does a customs bond cost?
You pay the surety a premium, which is a fraction of the bond amount. The price depends on the surety's review of your company and your goods, so we quote each bond before we place it. Our guide explains what drives customs bond cost.
What if my bond becomes too small?
CBP periodically reviews bond sufficiency. If your import volume or duty payments increase significantly, CBP may require you to increase your bond amount. An insufficient bond can result in holds on your cargo. We monitor your account and advise when bond increases are needed before CBP demands them. Use the customs bond calculator to size your bond, and read what to do after an insufficient bond notice.
If CBP makes a claim against your bond for liquidated damages, you can petition for relief within 60 days. See our penalty and liquidated damages petition service.
"We handle customs bonds for single entries and continuous coverage. Whether you import once or a thousand times a year, we ensure your bond is in place and sufficient."
Customs bonds: common questions
How do I get a customs bond?
Send us your importer details and, for one shipment, the invoice and bill of lading. For a continuous bond, add your duties, taxes and fees of the last 12 months. Sign our power of attorney. We place the bond with a surety, the surety transmits it to ACE, and we file your entry against it.
Can I keep my current continuous bond and use Allied as my broker?
Yes. The bond belongs to you, the importer of record, not to the broker. Any broker can file your entries on it. CBP allows only one continuous bond for each importer number and activity (19 CFR 113.12), so you do not need a second one.
How long does a continuous bond last?
A continuous bond covers a one-year bond period and renews automatically on the anniversary of its effective date. It stays in force until you or the surety terminates it. The surety charges a premium for each bond year.
Do I need a separate bond for my ISF?
Not if you have a continuous import bond. It covers your Importer Security Filings. Without one, each ocean shipment needs an ISF single transaction bond of at least $10,000. We file ISF for our clients on the same day.
Can I pay cash instead of buying a surety bond?
Yes. CBP accepts cash or certain US Treasury obligations in lieu of a surety, in the full amount of the bond (19 CFR 113.40). You still file a CBP Form 301, and the deposit is for no more than one year. Most importers use a surety because the premium is much smaller than the bond amount.
How do I cancel or replace my continuous bond?
Send a written termination request to CBP's Revenue Division. It takes effect on the date you ask for if CBP receives it at least 10 business days before, otherwise on the tenth business day (19 CFR 113.27). We time the new bond to start when the old bond ends.