What Are U.S. Customs Bonds?
A U.S. Customs Bond is a federal surety bond required by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) for businesses importing goods into the United States or engaging in certain customs‑regulated activities.
These bonds ensure that importers and customs‑regulated businesses:
- Pay all duties, taxes, and fees
- Comply with CBP regulations
- Follow import documentation and reporting requirements
- Meet federal safety, security, and trade laws
Without a customs bond, your goods cannot clear U.S. ports of entry.
Types of U.S. Customs Bonds We Provide
Below are the most common customs bonds required by CBP.
1. Continuous Import Bond (Activity Code 1) - Required for importers making regular or high‑value shipments. Covers all imports for 12 months. Ideal for businesses importing more than 3–4 times per year.
2. Single‑Entry Bond (SEB) - Covers one shipment at one port of entry. Best for low‑volume or one‑time importers.
3. Drawback Bond (Activity Code 1A) - Required for companies claiming duty refunds (drawbacks). Ensures compliance with drawback regulations.
4. International Carrier Bond (Activity Code 3) - Required for airlines, vessel operators, and carriers entering U.S. ports. Guarantees compliance with CBP carrier regulations.
5. Customs Broker Bond (Activity Code 11) - Required for licensed customs brokers. Ensures ethical and compliant customs brokerage operations.
6. Bonded Warehouse Bond (Activity Code 2) - Required for operators of bonded warehouses storing imported goods. Guarantees proper handling and reporting of bonded merchandise.
7. Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Bond (Activity Code 4) - Required for FTZ operators and users. Ensures compliance with FTZ regulations and duty‑deferral rules.
8. Custodian of Bonded Merchandise Bond (Activity Code 2) - Required for container freight stations, terminals, and bonded carriers. Ensures proper custody and control of bonded cargo.
U.S. Customs Bond Amounts and Cost
Bond amounts are set by CBP and depend on:
- Import volume
- Value of shipments
- Type of goods
- Federal risk level
Typical continuous bond amounts start at $50,000, but may be higher for:
- High‑value imports
- Alcohol, tobacco, or controlled goods
- FTZ operations
- Drawback claims
Your premium depends on:
- Bond amount
- Credit score
- Business financials
Most importers qualify instantly with competitive rates.
Who Needs a U.S. Customs Bond
You may need a customs bond if you are:
- An importer of commercial goods
- A customs broker
- A bonded warehouse operator
- An international carrier
- A freight forwarder handling bonded cargo
- A Foreign Trade Zone operator
- A company claiming duty drawbacks
Any business moving goods through U.S. ports may be required to file a customs bond.
U.S. Customs Bond Requirements & Eligibility
CBP typically requires:
- Completed customs bond application
- CBP‑mandated bond amount
- Credit review
- Annual renewal for continuous bonds
Some industries require additional federal compliance (FDA, USDA, EPA, ATF, etc.).
How the U.S. Customs Bond Process Works
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Secure the Lowest Rate
We match you with the best rate available from A‑rated sureties.
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Receive your bond
Same‑day issuance available for CBP filing.
Why Importers Choose Us
- Lowest rates from A‑rated sureties
- Fast approvals
- Digital delivery for immediate CBP filing
- Customs‑bond specialists
- 100% federal compliance guaranteed
Top U.S. Customs Bond Questions Answered
Our most common questions answered efficiently.
Premiums vary based on bond amount, credit, and import volume.
Many customs bonds are approved the same day.
It guarantees payment of duties, taxes, and compliance with CBP regulations.
Surety bonds are generally non‑refundable once issued.
Frequent importers benefit from a continuous bond; occasional importers may use single‑entry bonds.
