How goods legally enter a country · A guarantee, not a duty payment
Customs bond — the US guarantee
A US customs bond guarantees payment of duties, taxes and potential penalties; it is not a prepayment of duty.
Key facts
| Purpose | Guarantees duty, tax and charge payment plus compliance with customs law |
|---|---|
| Continuous bond | Covers entries for a period, typically a year, for importers with regular shipments |
| Single-entry bond | Covers one entry; often used for occasional imports |
| Not duty | The bond is a guarantee; duty is still paid or deferred separately |
| ISF bond | An importer security filing bond may be separate from the entry bond |
| Who arranges | The importer or its broker; the surety underwrites the bond |
| Official source | US Customs and Border Protection bond guidance |
Why a broker asks for a bond
Without a bond, CBP may not release the entry. The broker is asking because the filing needs a guarantee behind it, not because the broker is charging a duty deposit. The bond premium is a separate cost from the duty.
For a first commercial shipment, a single-entry bond may be enough. If the importer expects repeated entries, compare the continuous bond cost against the cumulative single-entry premiums.
A bond does not remove compliance risk
The bond gives CBP a party to claim against if duty is unpaid or a violation occurs. It does not make a wrong classification or an understated value acceptable. Claims can lead to higher premiums or a demand for collateral.
Keep the bond and the importer of record consistent. A bond issued to one legal entity does not cover an unrelated entity that files entries.
Frequently asked questions
Is a customs bond the same as paying duty?
No. It is a guarantee. Duty is paid or deferred through the entry, and the bond backs the obligation if payment or compliance fails.
Do I need a bond for every shipment?
A continuous bond can cover multiple entries. Occasional importers may use a single-entry bond. The broker or surety confirms what the entry requires.
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