A customs bond is a promise to U.S. Customs that you will pay the duties, taxes, and fees on goods you bring into the country. Importers need it to clear their shipments.
- Who needs it
- Importers, customs brokers, warehouse operators
- Continuous bond amount
- 10% of yearly duties; $50,000 minimum
- What you pay
- Often a few hundred dollars per year
- Term
- Continuous (yearly) or single entry
- A claim protects
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
What is a Customs Bond?
A customs bond protects U.S. Customs and Border Protection, known as CBP. When you import goods, you owe duties and fees. The bond promises you will pay them. If you do not, CBP can file a claim against the bond.
There are two main kinds. A continuous bond covers all your imports for a year. A single-entry bond covers just one shipment.
Who needs a Customs Bond?
Importers, customs brokers, and warehouse operators need one. A bond is required for most commercial imports worth more than $2,500.
If you import often, a continuous bond is usually cheaper than buying a single-entry bond for each shipment.
How does a Customs Bond work?
Here is the usual process:
- You pick the bond type. Continuous bonds are usually 10% of the duties you expect to pay in a year, with a $50,000 minimum.
- You buy the bond from Junno Surety.
- We file the bond electronically with CBP.
- Customs clears your shipments.
- If you do not pay your duties or fees, CBP files a claim against the bond.
Pay your duties on time and your imports keep moving smoothly.
How much does a Customs Bond cost?
Many small importers pay only a few hundred dollars a year for a continuous bond. The price depends on your bond amount and import volume.
Junno Surety prices at the industry rate minus 5% and files your bond and eBond with Customs electronically.
What happens if someone files a claim?
A claim happens when you owe duties, taxes, or penalties and do not pay. CBP files a claim, the bond pays up to the bond amount, and then you repay the bond company.
How to get your Customs Bond from Junno Surety
Junno Surety makes importing simpler. Tell us your expected yearly duties or your single shipment, and we will quote you fast and file your bond with Customs the same day.
We are a licensed surety bond agency and can often issue your customs bond the same day. Start your free quote → or call (762) 499-0237.
Things to know about a Customs Bond
The first choice with a customs bond is continuous or single entry. If you import more than a few times a year, a continuous bond is almost always cheaper, because it covers every shipment for a full year. A single-entry bond covers just one shipment, which fits a rare, one-time import. The continuous bond amount is usually 10% of the duties you expect to pay in a year, with a $50,000 floor. We file your bond and your eBond electronically with Customs, so your goods are not held up. Pay your duties and fees on time, and your shipments keep clearing. We can quote you fast and get you filed the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Continuous or single-entry bond, which do I need?
If you import often, a continuous bond covers a full year and usually costs less. A single-entry bond covers just one shipment.
How is the continuous bond amount set?
It is usually 10% of the duties you expect to pay in a year, with a $50,000 minimum.
How much does it cost?
Many small importers pay only a few hundred dollars a year. Your import volume sets the price.
What is an eBond?
It is the electronic filing of your customs bond with CBP. We submit it for you so Customs has your bond on record before your goods arrive.
Do I need a customs broker too?
Many importers use a customs broker to clear shipments. The broker and the bond work together, but they are separate. We can bond you either way.