A Customs Bond is a financial guarantee required by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for importing, exporting, or storing international goods. The limit required is unique for each use of the bond, referred to as activity codes. Each code guarantees that the principal of the bond will pay all duties, taxes, penalties and fees assigned by the CBP. Securing the bond allows importers, exporters, carriers, warehouse operators, or other parties to participate in the movement of international trade.
Jet is a unique member of the surety bond industry. We work directly with YOU to secure your bond! By cutting the middleman, you can avoid unnecessary agency fees that boost the price of your bond and drag out timelines.
Our in-depth underwriting and streamlined communication help to expedite the process of obtaining your Customs Bond. Why risk losing business because you couldn’t get the bond fast enough? We’ve got you covered!
The lowest limit available for a Customs Bond is a Single Use Activity Code 1A import/export for $2,500. Because other limits can be set by the CBP for load volume, there is no maximum limit set. In many cases, we are able to quote the bond as low as 1% of the limit required, with a minimum transaction of $100. See the table below for rate examples based on the limit required.
Bond Limit | Monthly | 1 Year |
---|---|---|
$2,500 | $10 | $100 |
$50,000 | $50 | $500 |
$200,000 | $200 | $2,000 |
In many cases, Jet offers a monthly payment option for the surety bond. This helps to reduce the large upfront cost that you’d see with other providers.
Activity Code 1 - Import/Export
Activity Code 1A - Drawback
Activity Code 2 - Warehouse
Activity Code 3 - International Carrier
Activity Code 3A - International Traffic
Activity Code 4 - Foreign Trade Zone
Activity Code 11 - Airport Security
If you still have questions about what activity quote you need, we suggest contacting your local Customs and Border Protection Agency office to confirm.
Jet keeps the application process short and sweet! Once completed, our underwriters will give you a call to provide a quote for your business or request any additional information. All Customs Bond applications will require basic business information and the owner's Social Security Number. Pricing for the bond is based on a financial review of the business and the owner, which does include a soft credit check.
Once the purchase is complete, Jet will file the new surety bond through the ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) portal. The bond is validated instantly by the CBP and sends confirmation back to us.
Because the bond covers multiple activity codes and each activity code has different requirements, there are many ways to avoid claims for your Customs Bond.