Customs Bond
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires a customs bond for any commercial import valued over $2,500. Without one, your shipments can be held, delayed, or refused. Here's everything you need to know.
Required by law: A customs bond is not optional for commercial imports. Failure to have one can result in shipment delays, fines, and CBP penalties.
What Is a Customs Bond?
A customs bond (also called an import bond or surety bond) is a legally binding contract among three parties: the importer (principal), a surety company (the bond issuer), and US Customs and Border Protection.
The bond guarantees that the importer will comply with all CBP regulations, pay all applicable duties, taxes, and fees, and fulfill any other requirements associated with the importation of goods.
If the importer fails to pay duties or comply with regulations, CBP can make a claim against the surety bond — and the surety company pays the government. The importer then owes the surety company.
Do You Need a Customs Bond?
You need a customs bond if you:
Types of Customs Bonds
Single Entry Bond (SEB)
- Covers one specific shipment only
- Bond amount = value of goods + duties + fees
- Good for one-time or infrequent importers
- Must be obtained for each individual entry
0.5%–0.75% of bond amount
Continuous Bond
- Covers all imports for a 12-month period
- Automatically renews annually
- Minimum bond amount: $50,000
- Required for importers with over $1M in duties
- Most cost-effective for regular importers
$400–$600/year for $50,000 bond
Rule of thumb: If you import more than 5–10 shipments per year, a continuous bond is almost always more cost-effective than purchasing single entry bonds for each shipment.
How Bond Amounts Are Calculated
CBP sets minimum bond amounts based on your import activity:
| Import Type | Minimum Bond Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual duties under $1M | $50,000 |
| Annual duties $1M–$5M | 10% of duties paid in prior year |
| Annual duties over $5M | $500,000 minimum |
| Quota or special merchandise | May be higher |
How to Get a Customs Bond
Choose your bond type
Determine whether you need a single entry or continuous bond based on your import frequency.
Select a licensed surety company or customs broker
Work with a licensed customs broker or surety bond provider. They handle CBP filing on your behalf.
Provide business information
Basic details required: business name, EIN/tax ID, business address, and import history.
Bond is filed with CBP
Processing takes 24–48 hours. Your bond is filed electronically with CBP via the Automated Broker Interface (ABI).
Top Customs Bond Providers
Roanoke Trade
US Customs bondsOne of the largest customs bond specialists. Strong technology platform and fast processing.
Avalon Risk Management
Customs & suretySpecializes in customs bonds with competitive rates for importers of all sizes.
International Bond & Share
Import/export bondsLong history in trade finance. Strong service for complex import programs.
Hiscox
Commercial suretyMajor insurer with customs bond capacity. Good for businesses needing surety and customs bonds together.
Get Your Customs Bond Fast
Connect with a licensed customs broker who can have your bond filed with CBP within 24–48 hours.