Do I need a customs bond to import from China?
Quick answer
Yes for any formal entry: CBP will not release goods on a formal entry until a single-entry or continuous bond is on file (19 CFR 142.4). Shipments over $2,500, or articles over $250 under special Chapter 99 tariff lines, need formal entry. Continuous bonds start at $50,000, or about 10% of last year's duties, taxes and fees.
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bond at entry | No release on formal entry without a single-entry or continuous bond on CBP Form 301 (19 CFR 142.4(a)) | Official source |
| Informal entry limit | Up to $2,500 per shipment, except articles over $250 classified in HTSUS Chapter 99, Subchapters III and IV (19 CFR 143.21(a)) | Official source |
| Continuous bond amount | At least $50,000; otherwise about 10% of duties, taxes and fees paid in the prior calendar year, in $10,000 steps (CBP Directive 3510-004) | Official source |
| Single-entry bond amount | Not less than entered value plus duties, taxes and fees; 3x entered value for goods under other agency requirements (Directive 3510-004) | Official source |
| Who issues it | An approved corporate surety, or cash deposits or US obligations (142.4(a)) | Official source |
| ISF condition | The importer bond includes ISF compliance; $5,000 liquidated damages per violation (113.62(j)) | Official source |
| Last verified | October 19, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
When is a customs bond required?
Whenever goods are released on a formal entry. Commercial shipments valued over $2,500 cannot go as informal entries, and neither can articles valued over $250 that are classified under the special Chapter 99 Subchapter III and IV tariff provisions. So most first commercial orders from a Chinese factory need a bond.
Single-entry or continuous bond?
A single-entry bond covers one shipment and is set at not less than the entered value plus duties, taxes and fees, or three times the entered value for goods subject to other agency requirements. A continuous bond covers all your entries and is at least $50,000, or about 10% of last year's duties, taxes and fees.
How much does the bond amount have to be?
CBP sets the bond amount using the guidelines in 19 CFR 113.13 and Directive 3510-004: your payment and compliance record, the value and type of goods, and the duties involved. The absolute minimum for any CBP bond is $100 (113.13(a)), but continuous importer bonds start at $50,000.
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What else do people ask?
Does a small sample shipment need a bond?
A shipment of $2,500 or less may qualify for informal entry, unless it includes articles over $250 classified in Chapter 99, Subchapters III or IV (19 CFR 143.21).
Who can issue a customs bond?
An approved corporate surety, or you can secure it with cash deposits or US government obligations (19 CFR 142.4(a)).
Does the bond cover my ISF?
Yes. The basic importation bond includes a condition to comply with ISF rules, with $5,000 liquidated damages per violation (19 CFR 113.62(j)).
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.