CBP Form 301: how to file the Customs Bond
Bought from a CBP-approved surety, usually through your customs broker, who files it electronically. A continuous bond covers a year of entries.
- Agency
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Where it applies
- US federal
- How it's filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Fee
- VariesNo CBP fee. The surety charges a premium; a continuous bond is at least $50,000 of coverage.
- How long it takes
- At least 5 business days for review.
- Renewal
- Continuous bonds renew yearly.
The form, line by line
| Line | What goes there |
|---|---|
| Header | Broker filer code (when a customs broker files the bond) |
| Section I | Single transaction bond or continuous bond (not both)Single transaction bond / Continuous bond |
| Section I | Single transaction only: entry number (or ISF transaction number) this bond secures |
| Section I | Single transaction only: transaction date |
| Section I | Single transaction only: 4-digit port code |
| Section I | Continuous bond only: effective date |
| Section II, code 1 | Activity code 1, importer or broker: limit of liability (whole dollars)Answer only the activity this bond covers: the answer ticks that box. A continuous bond is at least $50,000. |
| Section II, code 1a | Activity code 1a, drawback payments refunds: limit of liability (whole dollars) |
| Section II, code 16 | Activity code 16, Importer Security Filing (ISF): limit of liability (whole dollars) |
| Principal | Principal: full name and legal description, physical address (not a P.O. box) and state of incorporationOne per line: the name; the legal description and state (e.g. a Delaware limited liability company); street, City, ST ZIP. |
| Principal | Principal's CBP identification number (EIN with its 2-digit suffix, e.g. 12-3456789-00, or the CBP-assigned number) |
| Section III | Trade names or unincorporated divisions that may use this bond, with their CBP identification numbersOne per line: CBP number, complete name (e.g. 12-3456789-01, Lotus Tea House LLC DBA Lotus Tea). |
Official links
Checked against the agency's own page.
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