What is a customs general continuous bond?

A customs general continuous bond is a standard CBP-required surety bond that guarantees payment of duties, taxes, and fees for all of an importer's transactions during the bond period. It eliminates the need for individual transaction bonds.

How much does a standard customs continuous bond cost?

Standard customs continuous bond premiums typically range from 0.5-2% of the bond amount annually. For a $50,000 bond, you might pay $250-$1,000 per year depending on your financial strength and import history.

What bond amount do I need for standard imports?

CBP requires a minimum $50,000 continuous bond for most importers. Higher amounts may be required based on your annual import value, duties paid, or specific business circumstances. High-volume importers may need $100,000 or more.

How quickly can I get customs bond approval?

Most standard customs continuous bonds are approved within 24-48 hours for importers with good credit and complete applications. CBP processing typically takes an additional 1-2 business days after bond submission.

Can I use this bond for all types of imports?

Yes, a general continuous bond covers all standard import transactions including merchandise for resale, manufacturing components, and personal/business use items. Special circumstances may require additional coverage.

What happens when my continuous bond expires?

Continuous bonds must be renewed annually to maintain CBP compliance. We provide renewal notices and can automatically renew your bond to ensure continuous coverage for your import operations.

CBP STANDARD24-48 HOUR APPROVAL

Customs General Continuous Bond #972

Get standard CBP continuous bonds for regular import operations. Required for ongoing international trade with competitive rates.

Essential for Regular Importers

• Required for ongoing import business

• Covers all standard transactions

• Fast 24-48 hour approval

• Rates from 0.5-2% annually

• Valid at all U.S. ports

• Eliminates per-shipment bonds

Get Standard Customs Bond Calculate My Rate

CBP approved carriers • Standard coverage • Import trade expertise

CBP Standard Bond Requirements

U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires continuous bonds for importers conducting regular international trade. The standard general continuous bond covers all routine import transactions and provides CBP with security for duty and tax payments.

This bond eliminates the need for individual transaction bonds and provides year-round coverage for your import operations at all U.S. ports of entry.

Continuous vs Single Transaction Bonds

Cost comparison and benefits of continuous bond coverage

Single Transaction Bond

$100-$500 per shipment

Coverage: One import transaction

Best For: Occasional importers

Continuous Bond

$250-$10,000 annually

Coverage: All transactions for one year

Best For: Regular importers

Cost Savings Example

If you import 10 shipments per year, single transaction bonds could cost $1,000-$5,000 total. A continuous bond typically costs $250-$1,000 annually, providing significant savings for regular importers.

Who Must Have General Continuous Customs Bonds?

Regular importers requiring standard CBP bond coverage

Regular importers with ongoing international trade

Businesses importing multiple product categories

Companies with recurring import transactions

Manufacturers importing raw materials or components

Retailers importing finished goods for resale

Distributors handling imported merchandise

Common Import Categories

• Consumer goods and retail merchandise

• Industrial machinery and equipment

• Raw materials and manufacturing components

• Electronics and technology products

• Automotive parts and accessories

• Textiles and apparel products

CBP Bond Amount Requirements

Standard bond amounts based on import activity and business profile

Regular Importers

$50,000 minimum bond

Timeline: Annual coverage

Notes: Standard for most businesses

High Volume (>$500K)

10% of annual duties

Timeline: Annual review required

Notes: Based on previous year activity

Frequent Importers

$50,000-$500,000

Timeline: Continuous coverage

Notes: Multiple shipments per year

Multiple Locations

Enhanced bond amount

Timeline: Multi-port coverage

Notes: Nationwide import operations

First-Time Importers

$50,000 standard

Timeline: Initial bond period

Notes: New importer registration

Established Importers

Activity-based calculation

Timeline: Ongoing compliance

Notes: 3+ years import history

Important: CBP may require higher bond amounts based on your import volume, commodity types, or payment history. Consult with CBP or a licensed customs broker for specific requirements.

Standard Customs Bond Process

Simple steps to obtain your general continuous customs bond

Step 1: Application

• Complete bond application with import details
• Provide business and financial information
• Determine appropriate bond amount

Step 2: Approval

• Surety reviews application (24-48 hours)
• Bond issued upon approval
• Receive bond certificate for CBP filing

Step 3: CBP Filing

• Submit bond to CBP (directly or via broker)
• CBP processes and activates bond
• Begin importing with continuous coverage

Risks of Operating Without Customs Bonds

Consequences of inadequate customs bonding for import operations

CBP rejection of import entries without proper bonding

Cargo holds at ports causing shipment delays

Inability to clear merchandise through customs

Additional costs for single transaction bonds

Competitive disadvantage in international trade

Increased CBP scrutiny and examination rates

Business Impact: Without proper customs bonding, your import operations will come to a complete halt. CBP will not release cargo without adequate bond coverage.

Why Choose Our General Continuous Customs Bonds?

🌍 Universal Coverage: Valid for all standard import transactions

⚡ Fast Processing: 24-48 hour approval for qualified importers

💰 Cost Effective: 0.5-2% annually, eliminates per-shipment bonds

🛡️ Comprehensive Protection: Covers duties, taxes, and CBP fees

📋 Simplified Process: One bond for entire year of imports

🚢 Port Flexibility: Valid at all U.S. customs ports

📞 CBP Expertise: Guidance through import compliance requirements

Municipal Client Considerations

Import businesses with municipal clients may need financial guarantee bonds for project financing. When your imported goods support municipal infrastructure projects, municipal guarantee bonds provide additional security for public sector contracts and financing arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions