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Created page with "# Customs Surety Bonds (Form 301 & D120) A **Customs Surety Bond** is a binding contract used to guarantee that a specific obligation will be fulfilled between the **Principal** (the importer or carrier) and the **Obligee** (the customs authority, such as CBP or CBSA). It acts as an insurance policy for the government, ensuring they are paid duties, taxes, and fees if the principal defaults. For carriers, holding a valid surety bond is the primary requirement to become..."
 
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# Customs Surety Bonds (Form 301 & D120)
{{note|This article is part of the [[Customs_Glossary_Guide|Customs Glossary Guide]]|info}}
<div class="bc-wrap">


A **Customs Surety Bond** is a binding contract used to guarantee that a specific obligation will be fulfilled between the **Principal** (the importer or carrier) and the **Obligee** (the customs authority, such as CBP or CBSA).
<div class="bc-article-hero">
<h1>Customs Surety Bonds Explained (Form 301)</h1>
<p>The financial guarantee that allows carriers to move freight inland without paying duties at the border.</p>
<div class="bc-article-meta">
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-file-contract"></i> CBP Form 301</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-shield-alt"></i> Financial Security</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-truck-loading"></i> In-Bond Movement</span>
</div>
</div>


It acts as an insurance policy for the government, ensuring they are paid duties, taxes, and fees if the principal defaults. For carriers, holding a valid surety bond is the primary requirement to become a **[Bonded Carrier](/index.php?title=Bonded_Highway_Carrier_(Customs_Glossary))**, allowing the movement of uncleared goods inland.
<div class="bc-card">


* **United States Form:** CBP Form 301
<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">What is a Customs Bond?</h2>
* **Canada Form:** CBSA Form D120


## History of Surety Bonds
<p>A '''Customs Surety Bond''' (CBP Form 301) is a contract used to guarantee that a specific obligation will be fulfilled. It is essentially an insurance policy that protects the U.S. government against lost revenue.</p>


The concept of suretyship dates back to ancient Mesopotamia (circa 2750 BC), where the Code of Hammurabi recorded the first known laws regarding financial guarantees between farmers and merchants.
<p>For carriers, this bond guarantees that if they are allowed to move freight inland (in-bond) without paying duties at the first port of arrival, they will not let that freight disappear into U.S. commerce illegally. If the freight goes missing, the Surety company pays CBP, and then comes after the carrier for reimbursement.</p>


In the context of modern customs:
<div class="bc-did-you-know" style="margin-top: 15px;">
* **United States:** The use of customs bonds was formalized significantly under the **Tariff Act of 1930**. This act empowered the government to require security to protect the revenue of the United States, evolving into the modern *Continuous Bond* system managed electronically via ACE.
<strong>Clarification:</strong><br>
* **Canada:** The *Customs Act* establishes the requirement for financial security. Historically, this was a paper-heavy process involving the physical stamping of the D120 form. In recent years, the **[CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM)](/index.php?title=CARM_(CBSA_Assessment_and_Revenue_Management))** initiative has modernized how importers post security, though carriers still rely heavily on the D120 process for bonded movements.
* '''Bonded Carrier:''' A status granted by CBP allowing you to transport in-bond goods.
* '''Surety Bond:''' The physical/digital document (Form 301) that provides the financial backing required to get that status.
</div>


## Why Carriers Need a Surety Bond
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
</div>


A "Bonded Carrier" is simply a trucking company that has posted a surety bond with customs. This bond gives them specific privileges that non-bonded carriers do not have.
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Types of Bonds</h2>


===Permitted Activities===
<div class="bc-card">
<p>While there are many activity codes for bonds, carriers and importers typically deal with two main structures: '''Continuous''' and '''Single Transaction'''.</p>


With a valid bond, a carrier can:
<table class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;">
* **Move Goods Inland:** Transport goods to an inland [Sufferance Warehouse](/index.php?title=Sufferance_Warehouse_(CBSA)) for clearance away from the congested border.
<tr>
* **Transit Rights:** Move goods through the country (e.g., USA to USA through Canada, or Canada to Mexico through the USA) without paying duties.
<th style="width: 30%;">Bond Type</th>
* **Carry Special Cargo:** Transport unreleased goods, such as **[In-Bond](/index.php?title=In-Bond_Shipment_(Customs_Glossary))** shipments or international waste.
<th>Best For...</th>
<th>Details</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Continuous Bond</strong><br>(Activity Code 1, 2, or 3)</td>
<td><strong>Carriers & Frequent Importers</strong></td>
<td>Covers all transactions at all U.S. ports for one year. It renews automatically until cancelled. This is the standard required for "Bonded Carrier" status.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Single Transaction Bond</strong><br>(STB)</td>
<td><strong>One-off Shipments</strong></td>
<td>Covers only a single shipment at a specific port. Once the shipment is cleared, the bond is used up. This is rarely used by carriers for in-bond movements.</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>


## United States: CBP Form 301
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Why Do I Need One?</h2>


In the U.S., the bond is filed using **CBP Form 301**. Since 2015, most bonds are filed electronically through the **eBond** system in ACE.
<div class="bc-card">
<p>You cannot simply "drive past" the border with uncleared freight. You need a bond to act as a promise that the goods will eventually be cleared or exported.</p>


===Continuous vs. Single Transaction===
<h3>1. To Move Goods "In-Bond"</h3>
* **Continuous Bond:** Covers all transactions at all U.S. ports for one year. It renews automatically. This is the standard for carriers.
<p>If you want to transport goods from the border to a bonded warehouse inland (e.g., Detroit to Chicago) for clearance later, you must have a bond. This allows you to file an '''IT (Immediate Transportation)''' or '''T&E (Transportation & Exportation)''' manifest.</p>
* **Single Transaction Bond (STB):** Covers a one-time entry. This is rarely used by carriers because it does not provide standing authority to move freight.


===Activity Codes===
<h3>2. To Obtain a Filer Code</h3>
When filing Form 301, the "Activity Code" determines the bond's purpose.
<p>To file your own ACE eManifests effectively, you need a 4-character '''SCAC''' (Standard Carrier Alpha Code). However, to be a "bonded" carrier, CBP will assign you a bond number and often a unique '''Filer Code''' (different from your SCAC) that allows you to authorize in-bond moves.</p>
</div>


<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">How to Get a Bond & Filer Code</h2>


{| class="wikitable"
<div class="bc-card">
! Code !! Name !! Description
<p>Carriers generally cannot buy a bond directly from the government. You must go through a '''Surety Agent''' or a '''Customs Broker''' licensed to write bonds.</p>
|-
| **1** || Importer or Broker || Covers payment of duties and taxes on entries.
|-
| **2** || **Custodian of Bonded Merchandise** || **The Carrier Bond.** Required to transport in-bond cargo (IT, T&E, IE).
|-
| **3** || International Carrier || Required for airlines/vessels to enter/clear; less common for highway trucks unless transporting passengers.
|}


**Minimum Bond Amount:** Generally **$50,000 USD** for Activity Code 2.
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* '''Step 1: Contact a Surety Agent.''' Many insurance companies specialize in logistics bonds.
* '''Step 2: Complete CBP Form 301.''' Your agent will help you fill this out, designating you as the "Principal".
* '''Step 3: Determine Bond Amount.''' For most carriers, the minimum bond amount is '''$25,000''' or '''$50,000''', depending on the types of goods hauled.
* '''Step 4: Request a Filer Code.''' Once the bond is filed with CBP, you (or your agent) must submit a letter of intent to the Port Director where you intend to conduct business to receive your unique filer code.
</div>
</div>


## Canada: CBSA Form D120
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Setting Up in BorderConnect</h2>


In Canada, the bond is filed using **CBSA Form D120 (Customs Bond)**. Unlike the U.S. eBond system, the Canadian process often involves physical signatures and stamps, though this is evolving with CARM.
<div class="bc-card">


===Bond Types===
<p>Once you have your bond, you need to tell BorderConnect about it so the system can properly file your '''Type 61 (In-Bond)''' or '''Type 62 (QP/WP)''' entries.</p>
* **Bonded Highway Carrier (D3 Code):** Allows the carrier to move goods to an inland sufferance warehouse or transit through Canada.
* **Bonded Freight Forwarder:** Allows a forwarder to move goods and deconsolidate shipments.


===Posting Security===
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
To become a bonded carrier in Canada, you must submit the D120 form along with your carrier code application.
1. Navigate to '''Account > Company Profile'''.
* **Minimum Amount:** Typically **$5,000 - $25,000 CAD** depending on the mode of transport and fleet size.
2. Scroll to the '''Customs (ACE)''' section.
* **Regulations:** Governed by *Customs Memorandum D1-7-1*.
3. Enter your '''Bond Number''' and '''Surety Code''' (found on your Form 301).
4. If you have a separate Filer Code, enter it in the '''Filer Code''' field.
5. Click '''Save'''.
</div>


## Registration Guide: How to Get Bonded
<p>For a full walkthrough on managing your bonded status, see the [[Bonded Carrier]] guide.</p>
</div>


### United States (CBP)
{{Promo
1.  **Find a Surety Agent:** You cannot buy a bond directly from CBP. You must use a licensed surety agent (many insurance brokers specialize in logistics).
| icon = 🏢
2.  **Application:** Submit your company financials to the agent.
| text = '''Need help managing in-bond shipments?''' BorderConnect's U.S. In-Bond Manager simplifies IT, T&E, and IE filings.
3.  **eBond Filing:** The agent submits the data to CBP via the ACE portal.
| link = https://www.borderconnect.com/us-in-bond-manager/index.htm
4. **Filer Code Assignment:** Once approved, CBP assigns a **[Filer Code](/index.php?title=Filer_Code_(CBP))** (often your SCAC) which you use to file electronic in-bonds.
| button = Explore In-Bond Manager
}}


### Canada (CBSA)
</div>
1.  **Obtain Form D120:** Your surety company or insurance broker will prepare this form.
2.  **Sign and Seal:** The document requires the original signatures and corporate seals of both the Surety and the Principal (Carrier).
3.  **Submit to CBSA:** Mail the original bond (and Carrier Code application if new) to the **CBSA Commercial Registration Unit** in Ottawa.
4.  **Wait for Approval:** Processing can take 10-30 business days.


## BorderConnect Tie-In
[[Category:Customs Documents]]
 
Once your bond is active, you must configure BorderConnect to use it.
 
===If You Are the Bonded Carrier===
To file [ACE In-Bonds](/index.php?title=ACE_In_Bond_(CBP_Shipment_Type)) or [ACI eManifests](/index.php?title=ACI_eManifest_Software_User_Guide_(CBSA)) under your own bond:
1.  Navigate to **Account > Company Profile**.
2.  **For US:** Enter your **IRS Number** (Tax ID) in the "Bonded Carrier IRS Number" field.
3.  **For Canada:** Ensure your Carrier Code is set to "Bonded" in the settings.
 
===If You Are Filing for Another Carrier===
 
If you are a service provider creating a [QP In-Bond](/index.php?title=QP_In-Bond) for a different trucking company:
1.  Go to **U.S. In-Bonds > Bonded Carrier ID Numbers**.
2.  Click **New Bonded Carrier ID Number**.
3.  Enter the **Carrier Name**, **SCAC**, and **IRS/Tax ID**.
4.  This allows you to select them as the "Principled Party" on the manifest.
 
## References
 
* **CBP Form 301 PDF:** [Official CBP Form 301](https://www.cbp.gov/document/forms/form-301-customs-bond)
* **CBSA Form D120 PDF:** [Official CBSA Form D120](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/d120-eng.html)
* **US Regulation:** [19 CFR Part 113 - CBP Bonds](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-113)
* **Canada Regulation:** [Memorandum D1-7-1: Posting Security for Transacting Bonded Operations](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d1/d1-7-1-eng.html)
 
[[Category:Customs Glossary]]
[[Category:Compliance Guides]]
[[Category:United States Customs]]
[[Category:Canadian Customs]]

Latest revision as of 12:01, 17 February 2026

🔖 This article is part of the Customs Glossary Guide

Customs Surety Bonds Explained (Form 301)

The financial guarantee that allows carriers to move freight inland without paying duties at the border.

CBP Form 301 Financial Security In-Bond Movement

What is a Customs Bond?

A Customs Surety Bond (CBP Form 301) is a contract used to guarantee that a specific obligation will be fulfilled. It is essentially an insurance policy that protects the U.S. government against lost revenue.

For carriers, this bond guarantees that if they are allowed to move freight inland (in-bond) without paying duties at the first port of arrival, they will not let that freight disappear into U.S. commerce illegally. If the freight goes missing, the Surety company pays CBP, and then comes after the carrier for reimbursement.

Clarification:

  • Bonded Carrier: A status granted by CBP allowing you to transport in-bond goods.
  • Surety Bond: The physical/digital document (Form 301) that provides the financial backing required to get that status.

Types of Bonds

While there are many activity codes for bonds, carriers and importers typically deal with two main structures: Continuous and Single Transaction.

Bond Type Best For... Details
Continuous Bond
(Activity Code 1, 2, or 3)		 Carriers & Frequent Importers Covers all transactions at all U.S. ports for one year. It renews automatically until cancelled. This is the standard required for "Bonded Carrier" status.
Single Transaction Bond
(STB)		 One-off Shipments Covers only a single shipment at a specific port. Once the shipment is cleared, the bond is used up. This is rarely used by carriers for in-bond movements.

Why Do I Need One?

You cannot simply "drive past" the border with uncleared freight. You need a bond to act as a promise that the goods will eventually be cleared or exported.

1. To Move Goods "In-Bond"

If you want to transport goods from the border to a bonded warehouse inland (e.g., Detroit to Chicago) for clearance later, you must have a bond. This allows you to file an IT (Immediate Transportation) or T&E (Transportation & Exportation) manifest.

2. To Obtain a Filer Code

To file your own ACE eManifests effectively, you need a 4-character SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code). However, to be a "bonded" carrier, CBP will assign you a bond number and often a unique Filer Code (different from your SCAC) that allows you to authorize in-bond moves.

How to Get a Bond & Filer Code

Carriers generally cannot buy a bond directly from the government. You must go through a Surety Agent or a Customs Broker licensed to write bonds.

  • Step 1: Contact a Surety Agent. Many insurance companies specialize in logistics bonds.
  • Step 2: Complete CBP Form 301. Your agent will help you fill this out, designating you as the "Principal".
  • Step 3: Determine Bond Amount. For most carriers, the minimum bond amount is $25,000 or $50,000, depending on the types of goods hauled.
  • Step 4: Request a Filer Code. Once the bond is filed with CBP, you (or your agent) must submit a letter of intent to the Port Director where you intend to conduct business to receive your unique filer code.

Setting Up in BorderConnect

Once you have your bond, you need to tell BorderConnect about it so the system can properly file your Type 61 (In-Bond) or Type 62 (QP/WP) entries.

1. Navigate to Account > Company Profile. 2. Scroll to the Customs (ACE) section. 3. Enter your Bond Number and Surety Code (found on your Form 301). 4. If you have a separate Filer Code, enter it in the Filer Code field. 5. Click Save.

For a full walkthrough on managing your bonded status, see the Bonded Carrier guide.


🏢
Need help managing in-bond shipments? BorderConnect's U.S. In-Bond Manager simplifies IT, T&E, and IE filings.

Explore In-Bond Manager


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