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Import Customs Bond Cost Calculator — Single Entry vs Continuous Bond

Calculate US customs bond cost for importers. Compare single entry bond vs continuous annual bond — find the break-even number of imports per year.

Quick answer: Single entry bond: 0.5% of (duties + freight + insurance) minimum $100. Continuous bond: $400–$1,200/year depending on duty liability. Break-even: if you import 6+ times/year, continuous bond is almost always cheaper.

🏛️ Import Customs Bond Cost Calculator

Typically $400–$1,200/year from surety company
Recommended Bond Type
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Single Entry Bond Cost
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Annual Single vs Continuous
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How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter annual import entry count — each formal customs entry (CBP Form 7501) requires a bond.
  2. Enter average shipment details — cargo value, duty rate, and freight cost determine single-entry bond amount.
  3. Break-even rule of thumb — if you're importing 6+ times/year at typical duty levels, continuous bond almost always wins.

Worked Example

24 entries/year, $45K cargo, 5.5% duty, $3,500 freight, $600 continuous bond.

  1. Single entry bond: MAX(0.5% × ($2,475 + $3,500), $100) = MAX($29.88, $100) = $100
  2. Annual single: 24 × $100 = $2,400
  3. Continuous: $600/yr
  4. Saving: $1,800/yr — Continuous bond wins

At 6+ entries/year, continuous bond is almost always cheaper. The $600 annual premium covers unlimited entries vs $100 minimum per entry on single bond.

Frequently Asked Questions

A customs bond is a financial guarantee to CBP that you'll pay all duties, taxes, and fees owed. Required for all formal entries (imports over $2,500) and for all entry types regardless of value for controlled goods. The bond is backed by a surety company (think insurance). If you default on duties, the surety pays and then pursues you for reimbursement.

Your customs broker can usually arrange one. Major surety companies: Roanoke Trade, ICW Group, HSI (Hiscox). Continuous bonds are set at 10% of estimated annual duty liability, minimum $50,000 face value. Annual premium is typically 0.5–1% of bond amount. The $600 annual premium example assumes a $50,000 minimum face value bond.