GlossaryCustoms and trade
Customs bond
A financial guarantee that an importer will pay duties, taxes and penalties owed to U.S. customs, required for formal entries.
A customs bond is a contract between the importer, a surety company and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It guarantees that the importer will pay duties, taxes and fees and follow customs rules. If the importer does not pay, the surety does.
There are two common types. A single entry bond covers one shipment. A continuous bond covers all of an importer's entries for a year and is the usual choice for regular importers. A bond is required for formal entries and for filing an ISF on ocean freight.
Learn more in our Cross-border shipping articles.
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