Who needs a customs bond?

A customs bond is required for any formal entry into the United States — generally any commercial shipment valued at $2,500 or more. It is also required for any shipment regulated by a Partner Government Agency (FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.) regardless of value.

What is the difference between a continuous bond and a single entry bond?

A continuous bond covers all shipments for 12 months at all US ports of entry. A single entry bond covers one specific shipment. Continuous bonds are cost-effective for importers who ship more than a few times per year. Single entry bonds are typically used for occasional importers or one-off shipments.

Customs ComplianceJune 2, 2026

What Is a Customs Bond? Complete Guide for US Importers

Q: What is a customs bond?

A customs bond is a financial guarantee between an importer, a surety company, and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It guarantees that the importer will pay all duties, taxes, and fees owed to CBP and comply with all customs laws. If the importer fails to pay, the surety company is responsible.

Q: How much does a customs bond cost?

A continuous customs bond typically costs $300–$500 per year for most importers. The bond amount must be at least 10% of duties, taxes, and fees paid in the previous 12 months, with a minimum of $50,000. Single entry bonds cost roughly 0.5%–1% of the total duties and taxes owed, with a minimum of around $50.

Before your goods can clear US Customs, CBP requires a financial guarantee that you'll pay every duty, tax, and fee you owe — and comply with US import laws. That guarantee is called a customs bond. Here's everything you need to know.

Key Facts

Required for all formal entries (goods valued over $2,500)

Also required for any FDA, USDA, or EPA-regulated shipment regardless of value

Two types: continuous bond (annual) or single entry bond (per shipment)

Issued by a CBP-approved surety company, often through your customs broker

Minimum continuous bond amount: $50,000

What is a customs bond, exactly?

A customs bond is a three-party contract between:

The PrincipalYou — the importer of record. You are responsible for paying duties and following CBP rules.

The SuretyA CBP-approved insurance or bonding company. They guarantee your obligations if you default.

The ObligeeUS Customs and Border Protection (CBP). They are the party being protected.

If you fail to pay the duties owed on a shipment, CBP can collect from the surety company instead. The surety will then pursue you for reimbursement. In practice, having a bond doesn't mean you can skip paying — it means CBP has a backstop if something goes wrong.

When do you need a customs bond?

CBP requires a customs bond for:

Any formal entry — commercial goods valued at $2,500 or more

Any shipment regulated by a Partner Government Agency (FDA, USDA, EPA, FWS, etc.) regardless of value

Goods entering a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)

Goods admitted under a temporary import bond (TIB)

Air courier shipments that exceed the informal entry threshold

FDA-regulated goods: If your product has any FDA classification — food, cosmetics, medical devices, supplements — you need a customs bond regardless of shipment value. This catches many small importers off guard.

Continuous bond vs. single entry bond

There are two main types of customs bonds. The right choice depends on how frequently you import.

Continuous Bond

Covers all shipments at all US ports for 12 months.

Best for: 3+ shipments per year

Typical cost: $300–$500/year

Minimum bond: $50,000

Renews annually

No per-shipment paperwork

Single Entry Bond

Covers one specific shipment at one port of entry.

Best for: 1–2 shipments per year

Typical cost: 0.5%–1% of duties

Minimum: ~$50

Must purchase per shipment

Higher per-shipment cost over time

For most active importers — anyone bringing in goods more than two or three times a year — a continuous bond is significantly cheaper and less hassle. The annual cost of a continuous bond is often less than the cost of two single-entry bonds.

How much does a customs bond cost?

Bond pricing depends on the bond type and the bond amount required.

Typical Costs (2026)

Continuous bond (annual)

$50,000 bond

~$300–$500/year

Continuous bond (higher volume)

$100,000 bond

~$500–$800/year

Single entry bond

Per shipment

~0.5–1% of total duties (min $50)

Bond increase (if CBP requires)

Varies

Based on duty history

CBP sets the minimum bond amount at the greater of $50,000 or 10% of total duties, taxes, and fees paid in the prior 12 months. If you paid $800,000 in duties last year, your required bond is $80,000. Your surety company will calculate the correct amount when you apply.

How to get a customs bond

Most importers get their bond through their customs broker — it's one of the standard services brokers offer. You can also purchase directly from a surety company. The process is straightforward:

Choose bond type

Continuous for regular importers. Single entry for one-off shipments.

Determine bond amount

Your broker or surety calculates the required amount based on your duty history.

Apply with a surety company

Provide your IRS EIN, importer number, and basic business info. Approval is usually same-day.

Bond is filed with CBP

Your surety files the bond electronically with CBP via the ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) system.

You're ready to import

The bond number is referenced on all your entry filings.

Customs bond and your duty calculation

Your customs bond doesn't change how much duty you owe — it just guarantees payment. The actual duty you pay depends on three things:

Your HTS code (which determines the base duty rate)

Your country of origin (which determines FTA eligibility and trade remedy surcharges)

The declared customs value of your goods

In 2026, that effective duty rate can include up to five stacking layers: the MFN base rate, Section 301 (Chinese goods), Section 122 (10% global surcharge), Section 232 (steel and aluminum), and any ADD/CVD orders. Before you commit to a purchase order, you should know exactly what that stack looks like for your product.

Before Your Next Shipment

Know your full duty stack — MFN rate, Section 301, Section 122, ADD/CVD exposure — before your bond is required. The Tariff Desk calculates it instantly for any HTS code.

Look up your HTS code