Temporary Import Bonds & TIB

A Temporary Importation Under Bond (TIB) is a U.S. Customs procedure allowing temporary importation of goods into the United States without paying duties or taxes, provided the goods will be exported or destroyed within a specified period (typically up to three years). A customs bond from a licensed surety guarantees payment of duties if goods are not properly exported.

An ATA Carnet is an international customs document allowing temporary duty-free entry of goods into participating countries without posting individual bonds. It serves as a passport for goods. TIB is the U.S.-specific bond alternative when not using a Carnet. Carnets are convenient for multiple countries but limited to one-year validity, while TIB allows up to three years but requires a separate bond for each U.S. entry.

Temporary import bond costs typically range from $200-$1,000 annually depending on the imported goods' value and your business financial strength. The bond amount must equal 110% of the total duties and taxes that would be owed if the goods were permanently imported. Premium rates generally run 1-5% of the bond amount annually, with lower rates for established importers with strong credit.

TIB allows temporary importation of commercial samples, professional equipment (tools, instruments, cameras), advertising materials, goods for trade shows and exhibitions, goods for testing or demonstration, vehicles for racing or exhibition, theatrical costumes and sets, and certain repair or alteration goods. Goods must not be for sale or sale on approval, and must be exported within the allowed time period (up to 3 years).

Yes, TIB can substitute for an ATA Carnet when importing eligible goods into the United States, provided the Carnet's one-year validity period has not expired. Some importers prefer TIB for U.S.-only entries when the three-year time allowance is beneficial or when the goods' value makes a TIB bond more cost-effective than obtaining a Carnet. However, Carnets are more convenient for multi-country tours.

Goods imported under TIB can remain in the United States for up to three years from the date of importation. Extensions beyond three years are generally not permitted. The importer must export the goods, destroy them under CBP supervision, or pay full duties and taxes before the three-year period expires. Failure to comply results in bond claims and penalties.

If you fail to export goods imported under TIB before the authorized period expires, U.S. Customs assesses duties, taxes, and liquidated damages (typically 110% of duties owed). Your customs bond surety pays CBP, and you must reimburse the surety for all amounts paid plus interest and fees. Repeated violations can result in bond cancellation and loss of TIB privileges for future imports.

For regular TIB usage, a continuous customs bond (minimum $50,000) is more cost-effective and covers all entries for one year. For occasional or one-time temporary imports, a single entry TIB bond covering just that specific shipment may suffice. Continuous bonds are required if you import goods valued over $2,500 more than a few times per year or conduct other regular customs transactions.

No, goods imported under TIB cannot be sold or sold on approval while in the United States. TIB is specifically for goods not intended for sale, such as demonstration samples, professional equipment, or exhibition items. If you decide to sell goods initially imported under TIB, you must first pay all applicable duties, taxes, and fees to convert the entry to a permanent importation before completing the sale.

TIB requires filing CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary) with the temporary importation bond number, detailed description of goods including serial numbers when applicable, proof of foreign origin, intended use documentation showing goods qualify for TIB, estimated value for bond calculation purposes, and planned export date. You must maintain records proving goods were subsequently exported or destroyed under CBP supervision.