Customs bond
Alan Fan
Last Update 4 years ago
For most shipments you may also be required to purchase a customs bond (if you don’t already have one). This can either be a single-entry bond (SEB) or a continuous bond. The better, more cost-effective option for you will depend on how many times you expect to ship in the next 12 months.
The cost of an SEB is dependent on the value of your goods, typically 0.5% of their total worth, with a minimum charge of $50. For shipments arriving by ocean, a customer with a single-entry bond will also need to purchase an ISF (Import Security Filing) bond separately for a flat fee of approximately $75.
A continuous bond typically costs $500 and is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, encompassing any and all shipments into the US registered to the company holding the bond. No further charges are required.
Therefore, if you are shipping more than five times a year, it may be cheaper long term to purchase a continuous bond, especially as it covers additional bond requirements.
Additionally, many users have reported that single entry bonds are more likely to be inspected at customs, which can incur more charges; less customs holds issues have been reported for continuous bonds.