Which entries require a bond?

In the context of customs regulations, a bond serves as a financial guarantee that ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The requirement for a bond is particularly pertinent for formal entries, which include commercial imports where the value exceeds a specific threshold set by customs.

All formal entries, including those that are duty-free, necessitate a bond because they involve more complex customs procedures and the potential for duties to be assessed. The bond provides assurance that any duties, taxes, or penalties that may arise from the transaction will be paid. Specifically, even if goods are entering duty-free, a bond is still required to cover compliance with regulatory obligations and ensure that the importer adheres to all customs laws.

Informal entries, on the other hand, typically pertain to lower-value shipments and have less stringent requirements, which may not necessitate a bond. However, formal entries, regardless of duty assessment, uniformly require a bond to mitigate the risk of non-compliance and to protect the revenue interests of the customs authority. Thus, all formal entries, including those that are duty-free, necessitate a bond to fulfill these regulatory requirements.