Updated September 2026 · 8 min read
Short answer: A customs bond is a financial guarantee that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be paid the duties, taxes, and fees you owe, and that you’ll follow import rules. You’ll generally need one for any formal entry, and you choose between a single-entry bond that covers one shipment and a continuous bond that covers all your shipments for a year.
If you’re starting to import products for your store, this is one of the first pieces of paperwork you’ll hear about. Here’s the customs bond explained in plain English: who’s involved, when you need one, how the amounts are set, and how to pick the right type.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Check with a licensed customs broker for your specific shipments.
Customs bond explained: what is it?
A customs bond is a contract between three parties:
- The principal: you, the importer of record.
- The surety: an insurance-type company that backs the bond.
- The beneficiary: CBP, which is protected if you don’t pay.
If you fail to pay duties or you break an import rule that carries a penalty, CBP can collect from the surety. The surety then comes to you to get its money back. So a bond isn’t insurance for you. It’s a promise that you’ll pay, backed by a company with the money to cover it.
When do you need a customs bond?
CBP generally requires a bond for formal entries. Formal entry applies to most commercial shipments valued at $2,500 or more, and to some goods regardless of value, such as items subject to quotas or certain other agency rules.
Two changes in the past year made bonds matter to more small importers. CBP suspended the $800 “de minimis” duty-free exemption for commercial shipments in August 2025, and in June 2026 made that suspension indefinite. That means low-value shipments now go through regular entry and pay applicable duties, taxes, and fees.
If a customs broker files your entry, they’ll tell you whether a bond is needed and can usually arrange one for you.
$2,500
Value at which most commercial shipments need formal entry
$50,000
Minimum continuous bond amount for importers
10%
Of the prior 12 months’ duties, taxes, and fees, if that’s higher than $50,000
Single-entry vs. continuous bonds: what’s the difference?
There are two main types of import bonds. The right one depends mostly on how often you import.
Single-entry bond (single transaction bond)
A single-entry bond covers one shipment through one port. It’s used up once that entry is complete. For most goods, the bond amount is generally the total entered value plus the estimated duties, taxes, and fees. For goods regulated by other federal agencies, CBP can require a bond of at least three times the entered value.
Because the amount is tied to the value of each shipment, single-entry bonds can get expensive on larger orders.
Continuous bond
A continuous bond covers all of your entries at any U.S. port. It doesn’t have a fixed end date. It stays in force until you or the surety terminate it, and you pay the surety a premium each year to keep it active.
For importers, the minimum continuous bond is $50,000 or 10% of the duties, taxes, and fees you paid in the previous 12 months, whichever is greater. New importers without a history usually base it on an estimate of the coming year.
| Feature | Single-entry bond | Continuous bond |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | One shipment, one port | All shipments, all ports |
| Duration | One entry | Ongoing until terminated, renewed yearly |
| Amount basis | Entered value plus duties, taxes, and fees (higher for some regulated goods) | Greater of $50,000 or 10% of prior 12 months’ duties, taxes, and fees |
| Best for | One-time or rare imports | Importing several times a year |
| Setup time | Usually quick through a broker | Takes longer to file and activate |
How do you choose the right bond type?
Here’s a simple way to decide. Count how many shipments you expect to import in the next 12 months, then compare total cost.
Compare: (single-entry bond cost × expected shipments) vs. yearly continuous bond premium
Hypothetical example: a broker quotes $100 per single-entry bond and $500 a year for a continuous bond.
2 shipments a year: $200 in single bonds vs. $500 continuous → single-entry is cheaper.
8 shipments a year: $800 in single bonds vs. $500 continuous → continuous is cheaper.
Illustrative numbers only. Real quotes depend on your shipment values, product types, and the surety.
Cost isn’t the only factor. A continuous bond also saves paperwork on every shipment, and it avoids delays if you need to clear goods quickly. Many small importers switch to continuous once they’re bringing in a few containers or pallets a year.
How do you get a customs bond?
Most small importers get a bond through a licensed customs broker. The broker works with a surety and files the bond with CBP for you. You can also buy directly from a surety company that is approved by the U.S. Treasury to write federal bonds.
At a glance: Getting a customs bond
1
Get an importer number. Most businesses use their IRS EIN as the importer of record number.
2
Pick a bond type. Choose single-entry or continuous based on how often you import.
3
Apply with a broker or surety. Share your business details, product types, and expected import values.
4
Confirm it’s active. Make sure the bond is on file with CBP before your goods arrive.
Plan ahead for a continuous bond. It needs to be on file before the entry is filed, so don’t wait until your freight is sitting at the port. If you use a freight forwarder, they can often coordinate with a broker. Learn more in our guide to what a freight forwarder does.
What happens if your bond is too small?
As your imports grow, your duties grow too. If CBP decides your continuous bond no longer covers your activity, it can declare the bond insufficient and notify you. You’ll need to raise the bond amount through your surety. While a bond is in insufficient status, you can’t use it for new entries, which can hold up your shipments.
Rising tariffs can trigger this faster than you expect. If your duty bill jumped this year, check your bond amount with your broker before CBP does.
Checklist: Before your first import
- ✅ Know whether your shipment needs formal entry
- ✅ Decide between single-entry and continuous bonds
- ✅ Have your EIN and business details ready for the surety
- ✅ Confirm your product’s tariff classification and duty rate
- ✅ Check whether other agencies (like FDA or CPSC) regulate your product
- ✅ Build bond costs into your landed cost
How much does a customs bond cost?
You pay the surety a premium, which is a small share of the bond amount, plus any broker fees. The premium depends on the bond amount, your product types, and your financial profile. Get quotes from more than one broker or surety before you commit.
Remember to include bond costs, duties, and fees when you price your products. Our step-by-step guide shows how to calculate landed cost per unit so nothing gets missed.
FAQ
Do I need a customs bond for small shipments?
Shipments valued under $2,500 can often use informal entry, which usually doesn’t need a bond. Since the de minimis exemption was suspended, those shipments still owe applicable duties and fees.
Is a customs bond the same as paying duties?
No. The bond is a guarantee. You still pay your duties, taxes, and fees on each entry. The bond only comes into play if you don’t pay.
How long does a continuous customs bond last?
It stays active until you or the surety end it. You pay the premium each year to keep it in force.
Can I use a customs bond for a single shipment of samples?
Yes. If your sample shipment requires formal entry, a single-entry bond is usually the simplest option.
Bottom line
A customs bond guarantees CBP gets paid. Use a single-entry bond if you import once in a while, and switch to a continuous bond once you’re importing several times a year. Work with a licensed customs broker, set the bond up before your goods arrive, and keep an eye on the amount as your duties grow.
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