Understanding U.S. Customs Bond: What Importers Need to Know

When shipping goods into the United States, one critical requirement for importers is the Customs Bond—commonly referred to as “Bond” in the logistics industry . This bond is a guarantee recognized by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to ensure that all duties, taxes, and fees associated with imported goods are paid in full.

In simple terms, a Bond is a type of guarantee or insurance that importers must purchase. If an importer fails to pay customs duties, taxes, or penalties, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the right to claim the amount from the Bond. This ensures that all imported goods comply with U.S. customs laws and that the government can recover its costs even if the importer abandons the shipment.

Why Is a Bond Important?

If an importer abandons cargo or refuses to settle the charges, CBP not only has the right to auction the goods but can also use the funds secured under the Bond to cover costs. This can include:

* Duties and taxes owed on the shipment

* Storage fees (e.g., demurrage, warehouse fees)

* Terminal handling charges (THC)

* Other operational expenses incurred during clearance

A Bond acts as a financial safety net, protecting both the government and the logistics chain from unpaid costs.

Types of Bonds

There are two main types of Customs Bonds:

1. Continuous Bond (Annual Bond)

   * Covers all shipments for a 12-month period.

   * Ideal for importers with frequent shipments to the U.S.

   * Includes coverage for Importer Security Filing (ISF), so no additional ISF bond is needed.

2. Single Transaction Bond (STB)

   * Purchased for a single shipment only.

   * Often used by occasional importers or one-off shipments.

   * Important: When using an STB, you must also purchase a separate ISF Bond.

How to Purchase a Bond

Buying a Bond is a straightforward process, usually handled with the assistance of a licensed U.S. customs broker. Here’s how it works:

1. Contact your customs broker and request assistance with a Bond application.

2. Complete and submit the required forms:

   * CBP Form 301 (only a scanned copy is required, no need for multiple originals)

   * Bond application form

   * Additional documents, such as a Power of Attorney (POA) or partnership papers, may be required in some cases.

Once approved, the Bond is active, and your shipments are ready for import clearance.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a frequent importer or shipping to the U.S. for the first time, having the right Bond in place is essential for smooth customs clearance.

At Goodship56, we not only assist clients with purchasing Customs Bonds (Continuous Bonds & Single Transaction Bonds) but also provide U.S. company registration services, helping new importers get started quickly and compliantly.