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What is a Customs Bond?

A custom bond provides you with the assurance you need as an importer that your import taxes and fees are paid.
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Customs Bond Definition

A customs bond is a binding contract required by CBP for commercial imports valued at $2,500 or more. Import shipments that contain goods regulated by PGA's (Partner Government Agencies) must also be covered under a customs bond. The importer, CBP, and the surety company that provides the bond are the three parties accounted for in the terms of the agreement.

When Do You Need a Customs Bond?

There are a number of situations in which you must utilize an import bond. These situations include:

  • When your imports are for commercial use
  • When your imported goods are required to meet federal regulations

If the merchandise is subject to government agency rules and regulations, the bond amount must be equal to three times the value.

How to Get a Customs Bond

Once you’ve confirmed that you need a customs bond, the next step is obtaining one. Customs bonds can be purchased from a surety company or Licensed Customs Broker. While surety companies typically only provide customs bonds, Licensed Brokers also offer customs clearance services.

The process to get a Customs Bond through USA Customs Clearance is as follows:

  1. Purchase your continuous customs bond
  2. Complete the simple & quick online application
  3. Receive approval for your application in as little as 1 day
  4. Begin importing with your bond within 2 days of application approval

Customs Bonds Ensure Duties Are Paid

A bond is a contractual agreement between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the surety company and the importer of record. So what does a customs surety bond do? It ensures the CBP is paid the duty and taxes owed and that the importer will follow the rules and regulations of the CBP.

An import bond, involves three parties. The importer or business purchasing the bond and importing the goods is the principal. The CBP is the beneficiary. The company issuing the bond is called the surety.

A customs bond guarantees that the taxes, duties and fees are paid on all imports. If the importer cannot pay those costs, the company that issued the customs bond will pay the remaining costs. Reasons an importer might not be able to pay customs fees as required might include closure of a business or bankruptcy.
Customs Bonds Ensure Duties Are Paid
  1. Agrees to satisfy taxes, duties, and other fees in a timely manner
  2. Agrees to finish entry into the country
  3. Agrees to furnish required documents and proof of shipment
  4. Agrees to re-send merchandise if needed
  5. Agrees to fix non-compliance problems with qualifications for admission
  6. Agrees to permit inspection of imported merchandise if deemed necessary
  7. Agrees to reimburse the U.S. for any necessary inspection, handling and storage fees
  8. Agrees to comply with the rules of duty free shipments

Explaining the Customs Bond Triangle

The principal purchases a customs bond from the surety and pays a premium, or a percentage of the total bond sum. In exchange, the surety extends the principal surety credit, which essentially confirms that this agreement is going to come through. The principal then follows the terms of the bond from start to finish. If no one files a claim, the principal pays nothing more than the agreed upon bond premium.

Calculate An Import Bond

Calculate the import bond amount by factoring in the amount of duties and taxes associated with your imported goods. In most instances, the bond amount must be at least 10 percent of the total duties and taxes paid to the CBP annually at a minimum of $50,000.
Explaining the Customs Bond Triangle

Documents You Need During Importing

To achieve an effective and efficient importing process, file the necessary import documents.
These import documents include:

  1. COMMERCIAL INVOICE
    The commercial invoice contains transaction details regarding your imports, which include the purchase price, product description, customs clearance number, the country of origin and more.
  2. PACKING LIST
    A packing list details your imports, outlining the contents, dimensions and the net weight of each package/container.
  3. BILL OF LADING
    A bill of lading lists goods in the form of a receipt and outlines the details of those goods.
  4. ARRIVAL NOTICE
    An arrival notice is issued by the carrier’s agent to the consignee and provides detailed information about the arrival and further details required for customs clearance processing.
Customs Bonds Ensure Duties Are Paid

Customs Brokers Obtain Import Bonds

Sureties licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department access import bonds. You can find a list of customs brokers broken up by state to learn more. Many licensed customs brokers, though, will not issue you a bond without a power of attorney, which files import entries on your behalf.

Customs brokers can work as agents for sureties, sell bonds and assist you with importing your goods into the United States port of entry of your choice.

Utilize a Licensed Customs Broker

When you utilize the services of a Licensed Customs Broker, you ensure your bond is correct, complete and you have a secure transaction. Licensed brokers handle the behind the scenes import bond work for you.
Utilize a Licensed Customs Broker
Connect with a customs broker that has the experience you need to handle the details so you can focus on your importing business. These experts can help you increase bond amounts and update contact information. Brokers allow you to focus on your business and avoid importing hurdles.

Learn More About Customs Bonds

What is a Customs Bond?

Show More >

Handling Customs Bond Claims

Show More >

What our Customers
Say About Us

USA Customs Clearance: They have gone above and beyond to accommodate my needs and work with making sure that I have all of my Customs Clearance paperwork in order. All in an expedited and professional way. I have used their services over the past three years and look forward to continue to do so.

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