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The Daily Insight

What is a bond number for shipping?

Author

Sophia Edwards

Updated on April 18, 2026

When a bond is placed, CBP issues it a unique bond number tying the bond to the company's Importer Number (aka Tax ID). The Customs Broker or Freight Forwarder then files the import documents providing the bond number upon entry.

Keeping this in consideration, what is a bond for shipping?

Common Freight Costs & Charges

Customs Bond Description: The bond protects the US government should an importer not pay any duties, penalties, etc. either while the goods are in CBP custody or after release. It also has a practical advantage of speeding up clearance.

Beside above, how do I get a US Customs Bond? You can obtain a U.S. Customs and Border Protection bond through a surety licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Please vist the Bureau of the Fiscal Service for a list of sureties. Please visit the CBP website for additional bond information.

Similarly, you may ask, what is a bond code?

A US Customs Bond*, or Activity Code 1 bond, is a contractual agreement between the Importer of record, the Bond Surety Company and US Customs & Border Protection (CBP). This allows the CBP to clear the shipment without having to wait for the Importer to submit payment.

What is a US Customs Bond?

1. 2. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires a customs bond for every shipment coming into the United States. This guarantees that the U.S. Government will be paid any applicable duties, taxes and penalties if the importer defaults.

Related Question Answers

What is Bond charge?

A charge for the purchase and processing of a Customs bond, which is required for importations. Bonds can also be purchased on a term (i.e., continuous/annual bond) or on a shipment-by-shipment basis (i.e., single entry bond).

How long does a customs bond last?

How can one renew a CBP (US Customs) bond? Continuous bonds to CBP (U.S. Customs) do not have an expiration date. They are valid until terminated (or CBP placing the bond into insufficient status). The insurance company requires an annual payment of premium charge.

How do you find continuous bonds?

The company issuing the bond is the known as the surety.
  1. Decide if you will need a customs bond.
  2. Find a surety licensed by the Treasury department.
  3. Identify the type of bond you will need.
  4. Complete the application.
  5. Pay all fees.
  6. File a single entry bond in the port where the transaction is set to take place.

Do you need a customs bond?

If you are importing merchandise into the United States, (U.S.) for commercial purposes that are valued over $2,500, or a commodity subject to other federal agencies requirements (i.e. firearms or food), you must post a Customs bond. You have the option of obtaining a "single entry" or "continuous bond".

What is Bond in export?

In the Bond, the exporter undertakes that he shall export the goods / services and observe all the provisions of the Act / Rules in respect of export of goods / services.

What is difference between FTZ and Bonded Warehouse?

Control of Goods FTZ has full control of goods 24 hours a day. Customs has primary control of goods. The goods can only be inspected and transferred during regular working hours in a bonded warehouse. Movement of Goods Movement of goods is relatively unrestricted in and out of an FTZ.

Why indemnity bond is required?

The purpose of Indemnity bond is to guarantee financial reimbursement in case of any harm caused by illegal actions on the part of bonded party. Principal is legally required to obtain a bond. Obligee is the party that imposes the bonding.

What is a single entry bond?

The term “single entry bond” most often refers to a particular type of customs import bond. The primary purpose of the bond is to guarantee that the required duties, taxes, and fees are paid to U.S. customs when goods are imported into U.S. commerce, as well as compliance with all applicable federal regulations.

How does a custom bond work?

A Customs bond is a contract between three parties (Customs, a principal (i.e. an importer), and a surety) to ensure that all the duties and fees associated with the rules and regulations of importing or other Customs activities are paid to Customs by the principal.

How do you calculate a single entry bond?

Calculating Customs Bond Amounts
  1. Single Entry Bond – is equal to the full value of the goods, and includes all duties, taxes and fees.
  2. Continuous Bond – the amount is based on 10% of duties, taxes and fees paid during the previous year by the importer.
  3. OGA restrictions and goods subject to Quotas - equal to 3 x total entered value of the merchandise.

How does a continuous bond work?

A continuous bond is a financial guarantee commonly used in international trade that renews automatically until it is canceled. Continuous bonds do not expire as long as the client makes the required payment for each renewal.

How are customs bonds calculated?

Continuous Customs bonds are calculated differently; rather than being based on the total value of the goods, a continuous bond is based on the total duties, taxes, and fees you pay annually. To start with, we take the total duties, taxes, and fees you pay annually and multiply it by 10%.

What is a customs surety bond?

A party that imports merchandise into the US or transports imported goods through the US (when moving goods in bond) must provide a surety bond (Customs bond) to CBP to assure financial responsibility. A Customs bond is essentially a contract between the importer, the surety, and CBP.

What is a customs bond used for?

Customs bonds provide principals with the opportunity for immediate release of their imported goods from customs prior to financial determination and payment of required tariffs, duties and taxes.

What surety means?

the guarantee of the debts