Single Entry Customs Bond (Single Transaction Bond)
A single entry customs bond covers one import entry into the United States. If you are bringing in one shipment, or you only import occasionally, it satisfies U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) bond requirements without a year-long bond. Tell us about your shipment and pay only when your bond is issued.
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- Who requires it: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, for a one-time or occasional importer.
- Amount: generally not less than entered value plus duties, taxes and fees; restricted merchandise is three times its value (not less than $100); unconditionally duty-free goods may be 10% of entered value.
- Alternative: if you ship regularly, one continuous bond can cost less overall.
- Timing: Same-day submission; most quotes within one business day.
What a single entry bond covers
A single entry bond secures CBP's right to collect duties, taxes and fees on one specific import entry, and guarantees compliance with the customs rules that apply to it. It does not cover the goods themselves and does not replace cargo insurance. It usually fits when:
- You import one time, or only a few times a year.
- You are testing a new product or supplier before regular shipments.
- A customs broker asks for a bond on a one-off entry.
- A continuous bond is on file but CBP requires additional coverage for an entry.
How the bond amount is set
| Entry | Bond amount (CBP guideline) |
|---|---|
| Most entries | Generally not less than total entered value plus all duties, taxes and fees |
| Restricted merchandise | Three times the value of the restricted merchandise, not less than $100 |
| Unconditionally duty-free merchandise | May be 10% of total entered value |
Your entered value comes from your commercial invoice and entry filing; CBP has the final say on the required amount.
Source: CBP, How CBP Sets Bond Amounts (February 2024), 6.4.2 (rules as of Sep 30, 2026).
Single vs continuous
| Feature | Single entry bond | Continuous bond |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | One import entry | Multiple entries over a 12-month term |
| Best for | One-time or occasional imports | Regular, repeat importers |
| Bond amount | Set by the entry (see above) | Set by CBP based on your yearly duties, taxes and fees (19 CFR 113.13) |
| Paperwork | New bond for each entry | One bond, renewed annually |
Each additional shipment means a new single entry bond and a new premium, so once you file several entries a year, one continuous bond is often more economical. See the continuous customs bond, our customs bond types comparison, the continuous vs single entry guide and the single entry customs bond calculator.
How it works
- Tell us about the shipment. Have the entered value and your broker's name handy.
- Review your quote. We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers.
- Pay when issued. You pay only when your bond is issued.
- Give it to your broker, who files it with the entry.
Other customs bonds: ISF bond, international carrier bond, NVOCC / OTI bond, temporary import bonds.
Frequently asked questions
What is a single entry customs bond?
It is a bond that covers one import entry into the United States. It guarantees payment of duties, taxes and fees, and compliance with customs requirements, for that entry only. It is also called a single transaction bond.
How much is the bond amount?
CBP’s guidelines say it is generally not less than the total entered value plus all duties, taxes and fees. Restricted merchandise needs three times the value of the restricted merchandise (not less than $100), and unconditionally duty-free goods may be bonded at 10% of entered value. CBP has the final say on the required amount.
What does a single entry bond cost?
The premium is typically a small percentage of the bond amount per year; the carrier sets the final price. You see your actual number in your quote, and you pay only when your bond is issued.
Should I get a single entry or a continuous bond?
If you import once or rarely, a single entry bond is usually simpler. If you ship regularly, one continuous bond can cost less overall because it covers a year of entries. Compare your own numbers.
What if I am not sure which bond I need?
Call us or use the quote form. We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers and can help you sort out which bond fits your entry.
Ready for your single entry bond?
We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers. If one can't write your bond, we can take it to another.
Get my quotePrefer to talk? Call 1-844-810-2663
Free quote. Pay only when your bond is issued.
Sources (rules as of Sep 30, 2026)
Rules as of Sep 30, 2026. Requirements can change; confirm with the agency before you file. General information, not legal advice.