Post-entry problems
CBP sent a notice about my entry. What now?
Find your notice or problem in the table below. It tells you what it means, how much time you have, and which page explains the next step. Allied CHB files the response for a flat fee of $200 per filing.
Start here
Which notice or problem do you have?
| Your notice or problem | What it means | Deadline | Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBP Form 28, Request for Information | CBP asks for documents, answers or samples about one entry. | 30 days from the date of the request | CF-28 request for information |
| CBP Form 29, action proposed | CBP plans to change the classification, value or other data, usually with more duty. | 20 days to respond | CF-29 notice of action |
| CBP Form 29, action taken | CBP has changed the entry. The entry liquidates with the change. | Protest within 180 days after liquidation | CF-29 notice of action |
| You found an error on an entry that has not liquidated | The filer must correct it. A post-summary correction replaces the entry summary. | 300 days after entry, and 15 days before the scheduled liquidation | Post-summary correction or protest |
| A liquidation, a bill or a CBP decision that you disagree with | CBP's decision becomes final unless you protest. | 180 days after the date of liquidation or decision | Post-summary correction or protest |
| Cargo on an exam hold (CET, MET, intensive exam) | CBP wants to examine the goods before release. | CBP decides within 5 business days after the goods are presented | Customs hold, detention or seizure |
| Notice of detention | CBP keeps the goods while it decides if they can enter. | CBP decides within 30 days after the goods are presented, or they are treated as excluded | Customs hold, detention or seizure |
| Notice of seizure | CBP took the goods for a violation of law. | Petition within 30 days after the notice is mailed | Customs hold, detention or seizure |
| No entry filed, goods at the terminal | The goods go to a general order warehouse at your expense. | 15 calendar days after landing | Customs hold, detention or seizure |
| You found errors on past entries and CBP has not contacted you | A prior disclosure reduces the maximum penalty. | Before you learn of a formal CBP investigation | Prior disclosure |
| Prepenalty notice under 19 U.S.C. 1592 | CBP intends to issue a penalty and invites your response first. | 30 days from mailing, unless the notice says less | Penalty or liquidated damages petition |
| Notice of penalty or liquidated damages (CBP Form 5955A) | CBP demands payment of a penalty or a bond claim. | Petition within 60 days after the notice is mailed | Penalty or liquidated damages petition |
| You are not sure of the HTS number for a new product | A binding ruling gives CBP's classification in writing. | Before the goods arrive or are entered | Binding ruling request |
| You do not know when your entries liquidate | The liquidation date controls the PSC, CAPE and protest deadlines. | One year from entry, unless extended or suspended | Liquidation tracking |
Count the days
Which date starts the clock?
| Clock | Starts on | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| CF-28 reply | The date of the request on the form | CBP Form 28 instructions |
| CF-29 response | The date of the notice | 19 CFR 152.2 |
| Protest | The date that CBP posts the liquidation on cbp.gov, not the courtesy notice | 19 CFR 159.9; 174.12 |
| Seizure or penalty petition | The date that CBP mails the notice | 19 CFR 171.2 |
| Liquidated damages petition | The date that CBP mails the notice to the bond principal | 19 CFR 172.3 |
| Detention | The date that the goods are presented for CBP exam | 19 CFR 151.16 |
Services
What can Allied handle for you?
- $200 flat fee
CF-28 request for information
CBP asks for documents, answers or samples about one entry. You usually have 30 days.
Read the guide - $200 flat fee
CF-29 notice of action
CBP proposes or takes a change to your entry, usually a higher duty. A proposed action gives you 20 days.
Read the guide - $200 flat fee
Post-summary correction or protest
Correct an entry before liquidation with a PSC, or challenge CBP's decision with a protest within 180 days.
Read the guide - $200 flat fee
Customs hold, detention or seizure
Exam holds, detentions under the 5-day and 30-day rules, seizures, and goods in general order.
Read the guide - $200 flat fee
Prior disclosure
You found an error on past entries before CBP did. A disclosure cuts the maximum penalty.
Read the guide - $200 flat fee
Penalty or liquidated damages petition
A notice of penalty or liquidated damages. You have 60 days to petition for cancellation or mitigation.
Read the guide - $200 flat fee
Binding ruling request
Get CBP's classification of a product in writing before you import. CBP generally answers within 30 days.
Read the guide - $200 flat fee
Liquidation tracking
Know the date that closes the PSC window, starts the protest clock and limits a CAPE refund.
Read the guide
Price
What does it cost?
$200 flat fee per filing. One filing is the work on one notice or one correction for one entry, or one binding ruling request. It includes the review, the documents checklist, the written response and the filing with CBP.
For many entries or a large penalty, we quote the fee before we start. Duty, interest, fees and penalties owed to CBP are separate and are not part of our fee.
We confirm the fee and the scope in writing before we start.
Questions
What else should I know?
Do I need a customs broker to answer a CBP notice?
No, the importer can answer CBP directly. A licensed customs broker knows what each form asks for and files it in the ACE Portal. A broker can also sign petitions for bond claims and commercial violations (19 CFR 171.1(b) and 172.2(b)).
Can Allied handle a notice on an entry that another broker filed?
Yes. You sign a power of attorney for Allied CHB and send us the notice and the entry documents. The other broker does not need to take part.
What does the $200 fee include?
Our work on one filing for one entry, or one ruling request: the review, the documents checklist, the written response and the filing with CBP. Duty, interest, fees and penalties owed to CBP are separate. For many entries or a large penalty, we quote before we start.
What if I already missed the deadline?
Call us at once. Some deadlines have extensions: CBP can extend the time for a CF-28 reply or for a petition. Others, like the 180-day protest period, are fixed by law. We tell you what is still possible.
Is Allied a law firm?
No. Allied CHB is a licensed customs broker. We prepare and file the documents that customs brokers file. If a case involves an allegation of fraud, a criminal matter or a court case, you need a customs attorney, and we tell you so.
Request: Help with a CBP notice or post-entry problem
$200 flat fee per filing
Have a CBP notice? Send it to us today.
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.