Is a customs bond always required?

Not always. CBP typically requires bonds for commercial imports, customs broker operations, and certain release types; low-value or informal entries may be exempt. Confirm applicability for each shipment with a broker or CBP guidance to avoid unnecessary costs.

What bond types should I choose?

Two primary types exist: single-entry bonds that cover one specific shipment and continuous bonds that cover multiple entries over time. Choose single-entry for one-time imports and continuous for recurring shipments to reduce repeated filing complexity.

How long does approval take?

Underwriting and acceptance can take from 24 to 72 business hours in routine cases; complex exposures, missing documentation, or new applicants may require additional review, so allow several business days when planning shipments.

Can I complete and sign the form electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, but confirm whether the surety or state requires wet signatures or notarization, or if RON notarization satisfies local rules.

What supporting documents should I attach?

Common attachments include commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, and a power of attorney. Providing accurate HTS codes and matching invoice values helps the surety underwrite quickly and reduces the chance of CBP follow-up.

How can a bond be revoked or cancelled?

Contact the surety to initiate cancellation per the bond terms; cancellations often require notice periods and do not relieve obligations for entries made while the bond was active. Ensure replacement coverage before terminating continuous bonds to avoid exposure.

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Customs Bond Application Form

Customs Bond Application Form

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CUSTOMS BOND APPLICATION FORM

This Customs Bond Application (the "Application") is executed on this date: by and between Principal: with principal place of business at (hereinafter "Principal"), and Surety: with principal office at (hereinafter "Surety").

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Principal imports merchandise into the United States and is required by law to furnish a customs bond to secure compliance with all duties, taxes, penalties, and other liabilities arising under customs laws and regulations; and

WHEREAS, Surety is authorized to act as surety on customs bonds and is willing to execute a bond on behalf of Principal conditioned upon the terms and indemnities set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the United States Customs and Border Protection (or other applicable customs authority) is the obligee for the bond(s) to be issued and is intended to benefit from the security provided by such bond(s).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. BOND REQUEST

Principal requests that Surety execute and deliver on behalf of Principal a customs bond as follows:

Type of Bond

Continuous Bond Single-Entry Bond Other:

Bond Amount Bond Effective Date

2. PRINCIPAL INFORMATION

Principal Legal Name Principal Address Tax Identification Number (EIN/SSN) Contact Person

3. SURETY INFORMATION

Surety Legal Name Surety Address State of Incorporation / Domicile NAIC or License Number

4. PREMIUMS, FEES AND PAYMENT

Principal agrees to pay to Surety the premium, fees and any collateral required by Surety in connection with issuance of the bond. Payment terms are as follows:

Premium Amount Payment Terms

5. INDEMNITY AND CONDITIONS

Principal covenants and agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Surety from and against any and all liabilities, losses, costs, damages, attorneys' fees, and expenses which Surety may sustain by reason of executing, procuring or enforcing the bond(s), including (without limitation) obligations arising from Principal's failure to pay duties, taxes, penalties, interest or other assessments. Principal shall reimburse Surety upon demand for any payments made by Surety under the bond.

The bond shall be conditioned upon Principal's full and timely compliance with all applicable customs laws, regulations and administrative rulings. Failure by Principal to comply shall permit Surety to take such actions as permitted under the indemnity agreement, including but not limited to denial of further bond coverage and pursuit of collateral.

6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Principal represents and warrants that all information provided in this Application is true, complete and correct; that Principal is properly authorized to enter into this Application; and that Principal will comply with all obligations under any bond issued pursuant to this Application. Principal further warrants that there are no facts or circumstances known to Principal that would materially increase the risk to Surety except as disclosed herein.

Describe any material adverse facts or prior claims on customs bonds

7. NOTICES

All notices, demands or other communications required or permitted under this Application shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand, certified mail (return receipt requested), or overnight courier to the addresses set forth below or to such other address as either party may designate by notice to the other.

Principal Notice Address Surety Notice Address

8. GOVERNING LAW

This Application and any Bond issued hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to conflict of laws principles.

9. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Application, together with any schedules, endorsements, or attachments expressly incorporated herein by reference, contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written.

10. AMENDMENTS, WAIVER, SEVERABILITY

No amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Application shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties. The failure of either party to enforce any provision shall not be deemed a waiver. If any provision of this Application is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

11. COUNTERPARTS AND AUTHORITY

This Application may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Each person signing this Application represents and warrants that he or she has full authority to execute and deliver this Application on behalf of the party for which he or she signs.

12. CERTIFICATION

By signing below, Principal certifies under penalty of perjury that the information provided in this Application is true, correct and complete to the best of Principal's knowledge, and authorizes Surety to obtain credit reports, trade references, and such other information as Surety reasonably requires to evaluate the risk and to underwrite the requested bond. Principal further agrees to the terms of indemnity and reimbursement set forth above.

Applicant (Principal) — Printed Name:

By (Authorized Signature):

Date:

Title/Capacity:

Surety — Printed Name:

By (Authorized Representative):

Date:

Title/Capacity:

What the Customs Bond Application Form Is and Who It Covers

The Customs Bond Application Form is a standardized filing used to request a customs bond that guarantees payment of duties, taxes, and penalties to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when importing goods. It identifies the principal (importer or customs broker), the surety company, bond type and amount, and shipment details. Customs bonds include continuous and single-entry varieties and are required for certain releases, customs broker operations, and importers with specific risk profiles. Accurate completion ensures timely cargo release and helps avoid holds, fines, or increased scrutiny from CBP.

Why a Correctly Completed Form Matters

Completing the Customs Bond Application Form correctly secures legal authorization for import release, demonstrates financial responsibility to CBP, and reduces delays at U.S. ports. Proper bonds can prevent costly penalties, streamline clearance, and maintain compliance with customs regulations and international trade obligations.

Who Typically Prepares and Signs This Form

Typical users of a Customs Bond Application Form include importers, customs brokers, and freight forwarders involved in international shipments.

Importers of Record managing ongoing imports and responsible for duties and compliance.
Licensed customs brokers preparing entries and securing bonds on behalf of clients.
Freight forwarders and carriers requiring single-entry bonds for one-time shipments.

Organizations with high-volume imports, complex tariffs, or customs holds should consult sureties or brokers to select appropriate bond types and limits.

Primary Roles Involved

Importer

A company or individual listed as the Importer of Record responsible for payment of duties and regulatory compliance. The importer provides tax identification, trade documentation, and authorizes bond execution; accurate information supports CBP audits and minimizes risk of customs penalties.

Customs Broker

Licensed customs brokers prepare and file entries, recommend bond types, and often act as the principal requesting surety coverage. Brokers submit shipment data, reconcile entries, and represent importers during CBP reviews to expedite release.

Core Elements a Complete Customs Bond Application Should Include

A professional Customs Bond Application Form should be complete, legible, include accurate financial details, clearly identify parties, and include supporting documentation to satisfy CBP and surety underwriting requirements.

Principal Info

Provide the Importer of Record's legal name, DBA if applicable, full mailing and physical addresses, EIN or TIN, phone and email contact, and the authorized signatory with title and authority to bind the entity.

Surety Details

List the surety company's full legal name, NAIC or licensing number, surety agent contact information, underwriting references, and any existing bond numbers if replacing coverage.

Bond Terms

Specify bond type (single-entry or continuous), the penal sum in USD, effective date, termination date for single-entry bonds, and any conditions or coverage limitations.

Shipment Data

Include entry number, port of lading, bill of lading, carrier, cargo description, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes, import value, and invoice references that match the customs entry.

Supporting Docs

Attach commercial invoices, bills of lading, power-of-attorney documents, prior bond correspondence, and any CBP notices that the surety will require for underwriting.

Signatures & Dates

All required signatures must be dated and, where applicable, notarized or witnessed; include printed names and titles to verify authority and ensure surety acceptance.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete and Submit the Form

Follow these sequential steps to complete and submit a Customs Bond Application Form for CBP-reviewed import transactions.

01

Gather Documents: Collect invoices, entry info, and importer tax ID.
02

Choose Bond Type: Decide single-entry or continuous based on import frequency.
03

Complete Form: Enter principal, surety, bond amount, and shipment details.
04

Submit & Monitor: File with surety or broker and track CBP status.

Configuring an Online Workflow for Bond Applications

Configure an online workflow to collect form data, attach supporting documents, route approvals, and capture signatures for the customs bond process.

Field	Configuration
Authentication Method	Email verification, SMS code, or KBA for high-risk filings.
Document Attachments	Upload invoices, bills of lading, and POAs as PDFs.
Signer Sequencing	Principal signs first, surety or broker signs after.
Audit Trail	Enable timestamps, IP logs, and certificate files.

Where to File and How Submission Typically Works

Typical submission options vary by importer preference: surety direct, customs broker filing, or electronic transmission to CBP via authorized channels.

Through Surety: Submit application and premium directly to the surety company.
Via Customs Broker: Broker files bond affidavits and coordinates CBP entry release.
CBP E-Systems: Authorized electronic filings through CBP systems where supported.
Port Authority: Local bond processing or verification at port office possible.

Digital Signing and Integration Considerations

Use an eSignature platform that supports document upload, conditional fields, and secure signer authentication for bond forms.

File Types: PDF, DOCX, and scanned images accepted.
Authentication: Email, SMS, or two-factor methods supported.
Integrations: Connects to NetSuite, Salesforce, and cloud storage.

Required Data Elements on the Form

Importer Name: Full legal name on government ID

Importer EIN/SSN: Tax ID for CBP and IRS reporting

Bond Type: Single-entry or continuous designation

Bond Amount: Coverage limit in US dollars

Surety Company: Licensed surety name and NAIC

Shipment Details: Entry number, port, HTS codes

Common Preparation Pitfalls to Avoid

Incomplete importer identification, such as mismatched names or missing tax ID, causes bond rejections, delays in release, and potential secondary inspections at ports.
Selecting incorrect bond type (single-entry versus continuous) exposes importers to coverage gaps or unnecessary costs, especially for recurring versus one-time shipments.
Providing inaccurate Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes or invoice values leads to underbonding, duty adjustments, and retrospective penalties from CBP auditors.
Missing signatures, unsigned surety agreements, or unsigned power-of-attorney documentation frequently triggers processing holds and may require resubmission with notarial validation.

Consequences of Errors or Omissions

Delayed Release: Cargo held until bond verified

Fines and Penalties: CBP fines and administrative penalties

Forfeiture Risk: Bond may be forfeited on default

Increased Scrutiny: More audits and slower processing

Financial Exposure: Obligations to pay duties and fees

Incorrect Info Liability: Claims or denials by surety

Key Timelines and Processing Expectations

Key timelines show when to file bonds, expected processing, and renewal schedules to avoid import delays and ensure continuous coverage.

When to File:

File before arrival or at time of entry to avoid port holds.

Single-Entry Validity:

Valid for the specified shipment entry only; ends at entry liquidation.

Continuous Bond Renewal:

Renew annually or per surety terms to maintain uninterrupted coverage.

Underwriting Time:

Surety underwriting typically takes 24–72 business hours depending on complexity.

CBP Release Expectation:

Cargo release often occurs within 1–3 business days after bond acceptance.

eSignature Plan Comparison for Submitting and Signing the Form

Compare common eSignature plans used to execute Customs Bond Application Forms; signNow is placed first and includes pricing and plan features for quick reference.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	No	No	Yes, limited	Yes, limited
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Frequently Asked Questions About the Customs Bond Application Form

Answers to common questions about when a bond is required, acceptable signatures, document retention, and corrective steps for errors or cancellations.

Need help? Contact support

Is a customs bond always required?
Not always. CBP typically requires bonds for commercial imports, customs broker operations, and certain release types; low-value or informal entries may be exempt. Confirm applicability for each shipment with a broker or CBP guidance to avoid unnecessary costs.
What bond types should I choose?
Two primary types exist: single-entry bonds that cover one specific shipment and continuous bonds that cover multiple entries over time. Choose single-entry for one-time imports and continuous for recurring shipments to reduce repeated filing complexity.
How long does approval take?
Underwriting and acceptance can take from 24 to 72 business hours in routine cases; complex exposures, missing documentation, or new applicants may require additional review, so allow several business days when planning shipments.
Can I complete and sign the form electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, but confirm whether the surety or state requires wet signatures or notarization, or if RON notarization satisfies local rules.
What supporting documents should I attach?
Common attachments include commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, and a power of attorney. Providing accurate HTS codes and matching invoice values helps the surety underwrite quickly and reduces the chance of CBP follow-up.
How can a bond be revoked or cancelled?
Contact the surety to initiate cancellation per the bond terms; cancellations often require notice periods and do not relieve obligations for entries made while the bond was active. Ensure replacement coverage before terminating continuous bonds to avoid exposure.

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