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Glossary · Customs & duties
What is Customs bond?
A surety bond guaranteeing that US Customs will be paid duties, taxes and fees and that the importer follows customs rules; most formal entries need one.
A customs bond is a contract between the importer (the principal), a surety company and CBP. If the importer fails to pay what it owes or breaks a bond condition, CBP can claim against the surety. A bond is required for formal entries and for ISF filings.
There are two main types. A single transaction bond covers one entry; a continuous bond covers all entries for a year and renews automatically. As of October 2026, CBP's guidance on bond amounts sets the minimum importer continuous bond at $50,000 or 10% of the duties, taxes and fees paid in the previous 12 months, whichever is greater.
Because the amount is tied to duties paid, higher tariffs can make a bond insufficient partway through the year, and CBP can require a larger one. Regular importers usually find a continuous bond simpler; a customs broker can arrange either type.
Sources: CBP: customs bonds . Checked October 2026.
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