Import with confidence — CBP wants its duties guaranteed first.
The bond behind bringing goods into the U.S.
U.S. Customs bonds guarantee to Customs and Border Protection that an importer will pay all duties, taxes, and fees and comply with CBP and partner-agency requirements. A customs bond is required for commercial imports over $2,500 and for any shipment subject to another federal agency’s rules — it protects federal revenue, not the importer.
Single-transaction vs. continuous bonds
There are two types. A single transaction bond covers one specific entry — best for infrequent importers; for goods subject to another agency’s requirements or to antidumping/countervailing duties, CBP often requires it at three times the entered value. A continuous bond covers all entries at all U.S. ports for 12 months and auto-renews, and becomes cost-effective at roughly four or more shipments a year. A continuous bond also covers the Importer Security Filing (ISF) for ocean shipments.
How the continuous bond amount is set
For the standard importer bond (Activity Code 1), the amount is the greater of $50,000 or 10% of the duties, taxes, and fees paid in the previous 12 months, rounded up (in $10,000 increments to $100,000, then $100,000 increments above that). The $50,000 is a floor, not a cap — high-duty importers can be required to post much more. CBP can also issue a “bond insufficiency” notice requiring a higher amount mid-term if duties spike (common with new tariffs).
Bond amount
$50,000 minimum (continuous) — set by federal requirement and the same in every state. You pay an annual premium (a fraction of this amount), not the full sum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a single-entry or continuous customs bond?
A single-entry bond covers one import at one port — fine for occasional importers. A continuous bond covers all entries at all ports for 12 months (and covers ISF), and is more economical at about four or more shipments a year.
How much is a customs bond?
The continuous importer bond is set at the greater of $50,000 or 10% of the prior year’s duties, taxes, and fees (rounded up). You pay a premium — often a few hundred dollars a year for a $50,000 bond — not the face amount.
Does a customs bond cover ISF?
Yes — a continuous customs bond covers the Importer Security Filing for ocean shipments. Importers without a continuous bond need a separate single-transaction ISF bond, typically written at $10,000.
How do I get a customs bond through Cory Washington & Co.?
Request a quote or contact our team. We confirm your exact requirement, market your bond across multiple surety companies that compete for it, and handle the filing. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
All surety bond descriptions on this website are provided by Cory Washington & Co. LLC strictly for general informational purposes. They are not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, legal, financial, or bonding advice. Surety bonds are not insurance. Bond requirements — including amounts, obligees, and bond forms — are set by government authorities and other obligees and change over time; the information presented is general in nature and does not guarantee the availability, terms, conditions, or amount of any bond. Actual bond terms are governed by the bond form issued by the surety and the requirements of the obligee, and any bond remains subject to underwriting approval. Nothing on this website creates or implies an agent-client relationship, binds a surety, or issues a bond. Cory Washington & Co. LLC expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken, or not taken, based on the content provided here. For advice regarding your particular situation, please confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and consult directly with a licensed professional at Cory Washington & Co. LLC.