Customs Bond: Continuous & Single Entry Import Bonds (CBP)
A customs bond is the financial guarantee U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires before it releases commercial cargo. If you import more than a few times a year, a continuous bond is usually the practical choice. For one shipment, a single entry bond covers just that entry.
- 10% of prior-12-month duties, taxes and fees
- $50,000 continuous bond minimum
- Next $10,000 rounding increment
- 1 bond per activity, per principal
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- Who needs it: importers who bring commercial goods into the U.S. and import more than a few times a year (one shipment: single entry bond).
- Amount: 10% of prior-12-month duties, taxes and fees, $50,000 minimum, rounded up to the next $10,000 (next $100,000 at $1,000,000 and above).
- Typical cost (estimate): about $400–$1,000 a year at the $50,000 minimum; the carrier sets the final price.
- Limit: one continuous bond per activity for each principal (19 CFR 113.12).
- ISF: a continuous bond covers ISF obligations; single entry ocean importers generally need a separate ISF bond.
Which customs bond do I need?
| If you... | Go to |
|---|---|
| Have one shipment | Single entry bond |
| Import regularly | Continuous bond (this page) |
| Operate a vessel, aircraft or vehicle arriving from abroad | International carrier bond |
| Are an NVOCC or other ocean transportation intermediary | NVOCC / OTI bond |
| Need ISF coverage on a single entry ocean shipment | ISF bond |
| Claim accelerated duty drawback | Drawback bond |
| Operate a foreign-trade zone | FTZ operator bond |
| Hold unentered goods (warehouse, container station) | Custodian bond |
Not sure which fits? Compare them in customs bond types compared.
What is a customs bond and what does it do?
A customs bond is a three-party contract between the importer (the principal), the surety, and CBP. It guarantees that duties, taxes and fees get paid and that import rules are followed. If the importer defaults, CBP can claim against the bond, and the surety then looks to the importer for reimbursement. The general bond rules are in 19 CFR Part 113.
Continuous customs bond vs. single entry customs bond
| Continuous bond | Single entry bond | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Multiple entries, all ports, for a bond term | One entry at one port |
| Best for | Regular importers | One-off shipments |
| Amount | See the sizing rule below | Set for that entry |
| ISF | Bond conditions cover ISF (19 CFR 113.62(j), 149.5(b)) | Ocean cargo usually needs a separate ISF bond |
A continuous bond saves you from buying a bond for every shipment, and it is the usual choice once imports become routine.
How CBP sizes a continuous customs bond
The continuous bond amount is 10% of the duties, taxes and fees paid in the prior 12 months, with a $50,000 minimum, rounded up to the next $10,000 increment, or the next $100,000 at $1,000,000 and above (19 CFR 113.13; CBP guidance).
| Duties, taxes and fees, prior 12 months | 10% | Bond amount |
|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $20,000 | $50,000 (minimum) |
| $500,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| $505,000 | $50,500 | $60,000 (rounded up) |
| $1,000,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 |
These are arithmetic illustrations of the rule, not claims about real importers. CBP decides the final amount. Run your own numbers with the customs bond calculator or the continuous customs bond calculator; the tariff effect is explained in our tariff stacking guide.
Under 19 CFR 113.13(c), if CBP finds a continuous bond insufficient, it notifies the principal and surety in writing and allows 15 days to provide a sufficient bond (see the insufficiency letter checklist). Because the amount follows paid duties, higher tariffs can move you up a full $10,000 increment.
Sources: 19 CFR 113.13, CBP help article, How CBP Sets Bond Amounts (Feb 2024) (rules as of Sep 30, 2026).
Customs bond cost
The premium is typically a small percentage of the bond amount per year; the carrier sets the final price. It depends on the bond amount, your import history and the surety, and premiums here are estimates only. See customs bond cost. We work with multiple U.S. Treasury-listed surety carriers, so a no from one carrier does not have to end your search. You pay only when your bond is issued.
How to get a customs bond
- Tell us about your imports: importer of record number, prior-year duties, and whether you file ISF.
- We size the bond against your duties and the CBP rule.
- Apply with a surety. We send your application to a carrier that writes it.
- Bond filed with CBP. You pay when it is issued.
What types of customs bonds are there?
- Single entry bond: one-off shipments.
- International carrier bond: vessel, air and rail carriers.
- NVOCC / OTI bond: ocean transportation intermediaries (FMC).
- ISF bond: ocean cargo on single entry bonds.
- Drawback bond: accelerated drawback payments.
- FTZ operator bond: foreign-trade zone operators.
- Custodian bond: bonded warehouses and container stations.
- Amazon FBA importers: customs bonds for FBA sellers.
- Temporary import bond: duty-free entries that will be re-exported.
Frequently asked questions
What is a customs bond?
It is a guarantee to CBP that an importer will pay duties, taxes and fees and follow import rules. CBP requires a bond before releasing commercial cargo.
How much is a continuous customs bond?
CBP’s standard is 10% of the duties, taxes and fees paid in the prior 12 months, with a $50,000 minimum, rounded up to the next $10,000 (the next $100,000 at $1,000,000 and above). Your premium is a separate, smaller cost that depends on your profile.
Continuous or single entry?
A continuous bond suits regular importers. A single entry bond suits one shipment. If you expect more than a few shipments a year, compare the two.
Do I need a separate ISF bond?
A continuous bond covers ISF obligations. Single entry ocean importers generally need a separate ISF bond (19 CFR 113.62(j) and 149.5(b)).
What if CBP says my bond is insufficient?
CBP notifies you and the surety in writing and gives you 15 days to fix it, usually with a higher-amount bond (19 CFR 113.13(c)). Check your amount before you are notified.
Can I have more than one continuous bond?
No. CBP authorizes one continuous bond per activity for each principal (19 CFR 113.12). If your volume grows, replace it with a larger bond.
How much does a customs bond cost?
A continuous bond at the $50,000 minimum typically costs about $400–$1,000 a year in premium (an estimate); the carrier sets the final price based on your import history and financials. See customs bond cost for more estimates, then request a quote.
Who needs a continuous customs bond?
Importers who bring commercial goods into the U.S. CBP requires a bond before it releases commercial cargo. If you import more than a few times a year, a continuous bond is usually the practical choice; for one shipment, a single entry bond covers just that entry.
Do I pay before I’m approved?
No. You pay only when your bond is issued.
How do I get a customs bond?
Tell us about your imports: your importer of record number, prior-year duties, and whether you file ISF. We size the bond against your duties and the CBP rule, send your application to a carrier that writes it, and the bond is filed with CBP. You pay when it is issued.
What happens after I apply for a customs bond?
A licensed agent submits your application to the carrier promptly; most quotes come back within one business day. The bond is then filed with CBP, and you pay only when your bond is issued.
Get my customs bond quote
We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers. If one can't write your bond, we can take it to another.
Get my customs bond quotePrefer to talk? Call 1-844-810-2663
Free quote. Pay only when your bond is issued.
Sources (rules as of Sep 30, 2026)
- 19 CFR 113.13 (Cornell LII)
- 19 CFR 113.12 (eCFR)
- 19 CFR 113.62 (eCFR)
- 19 CFR 149.5 (eCFR)
- CBP Help, continuous bond amount
- CBP, How CBP Sets Bond Amounts (February 2024)
Rules as of Sep 30, 2026. Requirements can change; confirm with the agency before you file. General information, not legal advice.