If you are importing goods and need a customs bond, send us your information. We’ll explain the bond type, check what CBP or your customs broker asked for, and tell you what the surety needs for a quote.
A customs bond is a surety bond that guarantees an importer will pay the duties, taxes, and fees owed to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and follow customs laws and regulations.
CBP sets the bond requirement based on the type of bond and the import activity. Your customs broker or CBP can tell you the amount your imports need.
Send us what you were told and we will quote the bond that matches it.
If you import regularly, a continuous bond can avoid buying a new bond for each shipment. If you import once or only occasionally, a single transaction bond may fit better.
CBP decides what it will accept and the bond amount. Your customs broker can tell you what is needed for your imports, and we can help with the bond.
No. You still owe duties, taxes, and fees. The bond is a guarantee to CBP that they will be paid and that customs rules will be followed.
If the surety has to pay CBP because the importer did not, the surety can seek reimbursement from the importer.
You normally pay a premium for the bond, not the full bond amount.
The price depends on the bond type and amount, your credit and financial information, your import history, and the surety company. We cannot give a price until we know the bond amount and your information.
It depends on the bond and the surety company. Many customs bonds are credit-based, and credit can affect both approval and price.
If you are a new importer or credit is an issue, tell us up front. Surety companies do not all underwrite the same way.
Send us what you have. The most useful items are:
It depends. Straightforward customs bonds can often be issued quickly when the requirement and importer information are clear. Credit issues or missing information can take longer.
If a shipment is waiting on the bond, tell us the date when you apply.
If this is not the bond you were asked for, these pages may help.
No. Customs bonds are required for imports into the United States by CBP, so the requirement is not set state by state.
Tell us what you’re importing or send us what your customs broker asked for. We’ll take it from there.
The Bond Agent | 3655A Old Court Rd, Suite 13 | Baltimore, MD 21208