How much does a US customs bond cost?
The short answer, with the official forms and the agencies' own links.
The short answer
CBP charges nothing for the bond itself (CBP Form 301); you pay a premium to a CBP-approved surety, usually arranged by your customs broker. A continuous bond covers a year of entries with at least $50,000 of coverage and renews yearly. CBP takes at least 5 business days to review it.
The forms involved
Customs Bond
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Bought from a CBP-approved surety, usually through your customs broker, who files it electronically. A continuous bond covers a year of entries.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Takes
- At least 5 business days for review.
- Renews
- Continuous bonds renew yearly.
Create/Update Importer Identity Form
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Sent to CBP (usually through your customs broker), or created in the ACE portal. Needed before your first entry as importer of record.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, mailed
- Takes
- Up to 5 business days.
ACE Secure Data Portal account for importers
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Applied for online in ACE. Lets you see your entries, duties and bond.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
Full guides
General information, not legal or tax advice. Agency requirements change; check the agency's page before you file.
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