CBP Form 29 · Notice of Action
CBP sent a CF-29 for your entry
A CBP Form 29 tells you that CBP proposes to change your entry, or that it already changed it. The box that CBP checked decides what you can do and how much time you have.
The basics
What is a CF-29?
A CF-29 is CBP Form 29, Notice of Action. CBP uses it to tell the importer that it will change, or has changed, data on an entry summary. The usual change is a new classification or a new value that raises the duty. This is a rate advance.
Under 19 CFR 152.2, CBP must send this notice before a duty increase of more than $15 on an entry. The reason can be a rate or value that CBP believes is too low, or more goods than the entry declared.
The form includes a written explanation of the reason for the action. It often follows a CF-28 on the same entry. CBP sends it through the CBP Forms application in the ACE Portal or on paper, with a courtesy copy to the broker.
Proposed or taken: read the box first.
Proposed means that CBP has not acted yet. You have 20 days to answer, and CBP reads your answer before it decides. Taken means that CBP has acted. Arguments now go in a protest after the entry liquidates.
Deadline
How long do I have to respond to a CF-29?
| Event | Time limit | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Action proposed | 20 days from the date of the notice | ACE Entry Summary Business Rules, section 1.12; 19 CFR 152.2 |
| Action taken, entry liquidates with the change | Protest within 180 days after the date of liquidation | 19 CFR 174.12(e) |
| The same issue on your future entries | From the next entry that you file | Enter the goods as CBP decided, or get a binding ruling first |
Under 19 CFR 152.2, CBP normally does not hold liquidation more than 20 days after it mails the notice. After that, the entry can liquidate with the higher duty at any time.
Risk
What happens if I do nothing?
If the action is proposed and you do not answer in 20 days, CBP takes the action. The entry liquidates with the new classification or value. CBP then sends a bill for the extra duty, with interest.
After liquidation, a protest is the only way to challenge the decision, and it has a 180-day limit. A protest also takes longer: CBP has up to 2 years to decide it (19 CFR 174.21).
The decision also applies to your future entries of the same product. CBP's prior disclosure guide says that a CF-29 can be notice that a formal investigation started. If the same error is on other past entries, talk to us at once about a prior disclosure.
Checklist
What do we need from you?
The CF-29
All pages, with the box that shows proposed or taken, and CBP's explanation.
The CF-28 and your reply
If CBP sent a CF-28 on the same entry first.
Entry summary, commercial invoice and packing list
For the entry that the form names.
Product information
Specification sheets, photos, materials and uses. For a value issue: the contract, payment records and any costs paid to the seller.
Rulings or earlier CBP decisions
Any binding ruling, CROSS ruling or earlier entry that supports your classification or value.
A power of attorney for Allied CHB
If we did not file the entry. Sign it online at alliedchb.com/poa.
Process
How do we handle it?
- YouDay 1
Send us the CF-29
Send the form as soon as you get it. We check which box CBP checked and count the days.
- Allied
We check CBP's reason
We compare CBP's explanation with the tariff text, the product facts and published CBP rulings in CROSS.
- Allied
We give you our view
We tell you in writing if the action looks correct or if there is a good argument against it, and what each choice costs.
- You
You decide
Answer the proposed action, accept it, or wait and protest after liquidation. If the action is correct, we also check your other entries.
- Allied
We file the response
We write the response with the evidence and file it in the ACE Portal or through DIS within 20 days.
- Allied
We watch the entry
We track the liquidation. If CBP takes the action anyway, we tell you the protest deadline and the amount at stake.
Price
What does it cost?
$200 flat fee per filing. The $200 flat fee covers the review of one CF-29 for one entry and, for a proposed action, the written response and its filing. A protest after liquidation is a separate $200 filing.
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?
What is the difference between a proposed action and an action taken?
A proposed action is a notice before CBP acts. You have 20 days to answer, and CBP reads your answer before it decides. An action taken means that CBP already changed the entry. You can challenge it only with a protest after the entry liquidates.
What is a rate advance?
A rate advance is a change that raises the duty rate on an entry, usually because CBP uses a different tariff classification. Under 19 CFR 152.2, CBP must send a CF-29 before a rate advance or value increase that raises the duty by more than $15.
Do I pay the extra duty now?
Usually not. CBP bills the increase, with interest, after the entry liquidates. When we review the form, we tell you the estimated amount so that you can plan for it.
Can we ask CBP Headquarters to decide the question?
Yes, for a current transaction. Under 19 CFR 177.11, you can ask the port in writing to request internal advice from CBP Headquarters. This applies when you and the port disagree on the law. We tell you if your case is a good candidate.
Does the CF-29 change my future entries?
Yes, in practice. File your next entries of the same product the way CBP decided. If you disagree with CBP, ask for a binding ruling before you import the product again.
What if I missed the 20 days?
Call us at once. If the entry has not liquidated, CBP can still read a late answer, but it does not have to. After liquidation, you have 180 days to file a protest.
Request: CF-29 response
$200 flat fee
Another CBP notice or problem? See all post-entry problems and their deadlines.
Send us the notice. We check the deadline first.
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.