How long do customs entries have before they are liquidated?

The timeframe for the liquidation of customs entries is one year from the date of entry. Liquidation is the process by which Customs and Border Protection (CBP) formally assesses duties on imported merchandise, and it is crucial for importers to understand this timeline as it affects their financial responsibilities and the possibility of obtaining refunds or adjustments.

Under U.S. law, the one-year period allows CBP to review the submitted documentation and ensure that all applicable duties and fees are properly assessed. If this period were shorter, it could lead to rushed assessments that might overlook important details, potentially resulting in incorrect duty payments. Conversely, a longer period than one year could complicate record-keeping and create uncertainty for importers regarding their financial liabilities. Therefore, the one-year liquidation timeframe strikes a balance between thoroughness and efficiency in customs processing.