QP In Bond (CBP Shipment Type)

🔖 This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide

In-Bond Shipment (USA/CBP)

A guide to moving goods through the U.S. without paying duty or finalizing release at the border.

Type: Shipment Release Country: USA (CBP)

In-Bond Goods Moving Inland

Overview

An In-Bond shipment allows goods to move inland (or through) the United States under CBP control before they are entered for consumption or exported.

Instead of clearing customs at the border, the carrier posts a Custodial Bond (CBP Form 301) to guarantee the goods will reach their destination without entering the U.S. commerce illegally.

Common Use Cases:

• Immediate Transportation (IT): Moving goods to an inland city (e.g., Chicago) for clearance.
• Transportation & Exportation (T&E): Driving through the U.S. (e.g., Canada to Mexico).
• Immediate Exportation (IE): Goods arriving at a port to be immediately exported.

Regulatory Rules & Deadlines

⚠️ Critical Enforcement Rules

Since July 2019, CBP strictly enforces electronic reporting. Failure to comply results in liquidated damages (penalties).

Requirement	Rule Detail
Electronic Reporting	Arrivals, Exports, and Diversions must be reported electronically via ACE. Paper forms (CBP 7512) are no longer accepted for this function.
Arrival Reporting	Must be reported within 2 business days of arrival at the destination. Requirement: You must provide the FIRMS Code of the destination facility.
Export Reporting	Must be reported within 2 business days of export.
Transit Time	30 Days Max. Goods must reach their destination within 30 days of arrival in the U.S.

How to File an In-Bond

There are two ways to file an In-Bond. The method determines how you report it on your manifest.

Method 1: QP In-Bond (Broker Filed)

Most Common. A Customs Broker files the bond (QP) and gives you the paper 7512.

• Your Role: Create a standard PAPS (or "QP In-Bond") shipment on your manifest.
• The Number: Use the Shipment Control Number (SCN) from the broker's 7512 form.
• The Handshake: Just like a standard PAPS, your manifest SCN must match the broker's bond SCN.

Result: You receive a "QP Entry On File" message.

Method 2: ACE In-Bond (Carrier Filed)

Self-Filed. The Carrier uses their own software to file the bond directly with CBP.

• Your Role: Select "ACE In-Bond" as the shipment type.
• The Data: You must enter the value, HTS code, and foreign port of lading yourself.
• No Broker: You are responsible for the bond liability.

See: How to File an ACE In-Bond

Reporting Arrival & Export

Closing the Bond

The In-Bond remains "Open" (and your liability active) until you report it as Arrived and/or Exported.

1. Reporting Arrival

When the truck reaches the destination (e.g., the warehouse in Chicago):

• Log into BorderConnect (U.S. In-Bond Menu).
• Select Arrive Entire In-Bond.
• Enter the FIRMS Code of the facility.
• Send to CBP.

2. Reporting Export

If the goods are leaving the U.S. (T&E or IE):

• Once the truck crosses the border (e.g., into Mexico or Canada).
• Select Export Entire In-Bond.
• Send to CBP.

Warning: Failure to report arrival/export within 2 business days can result in liquidated damages (usually $1,000 - $2,000 per violation).

Warning Messages (Overdue Bonds)

📩 ACE Status Messages

If you forget to close a bond, CBP sends these warnings to your ACE account:

Message	Timing	Meaning
Bill of Lading Late in 5 Days	Day 25	Warning. You have 5 days left to arrive the goods before the 30-day limit expires.
Bill of Lading Late	Day 30	Overdue. The bond is now late. Penalty risk is high. Arrive it immediately.
Pending Eligible General Order	15 Days after Arrival	(T&E Only) Goods arrived but haven't been exported yet. Verify export status.
Ordered to General Order	20 Days after Arrival	(T&E Only) Bond is overdue for export.

📱

eManifesting in your pocket. Process ACE & ACI eManifests, track shipments in real-time, and upload documents instantly—anytime, anywhere.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

References