Customs Bonds

A customs bond is a financial guarantee to CBP that all duties, taxes, and fees owed on imported goods will be paid, and that all laws and regulations governing the importation will be followed. It is a three-party agreement between: the principal (importer), the surety (bonding company), and CBP (the obligee). Formal entries require a bond.

Single Entry Bond: covers one specific importation. The bond amount is typically the entered value of the goods plus all duties, taxes, and fees. Continuous Bond: covers all importations during a one-year period. The minimum amount is $50,000, but CBP may require higher amounts based on import volume. Continuous bonds are more cost-effective for frequent importers.

CBP periodically reviews bond sufficiency to ensure the bond amount adequately covers the importer's obligations. If import volume increases significantly or if the importer has a history of violations, CBP may require an increase in bond amount. Failure to maintain a sufficient bond can result in the refusal to release imported goods.