US Customs Bond — Continuous Bond CBP | GCI Global

US Customs Bond

Importing into the United States? A customs bond is required by CBP for most commercial importers. GCI Global provides your US Continuous Bond through our licensed US partner.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

What is a US customs bond?

A US customs bond (surety bond) is a financial guarantee required by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for commercial importers. It guarantees that the importer will pay all applicable duties, taxes and fees on goods imported into the United States. Unlike Canada's CARM system, CBP requires the bond to be in place BEFORE the first commercial shipment clears — there is no transition period.

The US customs bond is issued by a licensed US surety company working in partnership with GCI Global. GCI Global acts as your single point of contact and coordinates the issuance, activation and renewal of your bond.

Key information — Continuous Bond

Annual rate (of total duties/taxes)

0.5%

The Continuous Bond covers all US customs entries for one year from the activation date. It renews automatically. The bond amount is set at 10% of total duties, taxes and fees paid in the previous 12 months, with a minimum of $50,000 USD.

Minimum bond amount

$50,000

Bond type

Continuous

Renewal

Annual

How the bond amount is calculated

CBP sets the bond amount at 10% of the total duties, taxes and fees paid in the prior 12 months, rounded up to the nearest $10,000. Minimum: $50,000 USD.

Calculation rule

Bond amount = 10% × (duties + MPF + HMF + taxes paid in last 12 months), rounded up to nearest $10,000. Minimum $50,000 USD.

Example 1 — Low volume importer

Total duties/taxes/fees paid (12 months)$80,000

10% = Required bond$8,000 → rounded up to $50,000 (minimum)

Bond amount: $50,000 USD (minimum applies)

Example 2 — Regular importer

Total duties/taxes/fees paid (12 months)$650,000

10% = Required bond$65,000 → rounded up to $70,000

Bond amount: $70,000 USD

Why get your US bond through GCI?

One contact, two borders

You already work with us for your Canadian customs. We coordinate your US bond through the same relationship — no need to manage a separate American provider.

Coordinated with your US entries

Your bond is coordinated with your CBP entries. When your US partner files an entry, your bond is already in place and active — no delays.

Managed renewal

We monitor your bond expiry date and notify you in advance for annual renewal. No risk of lapse or CBP penalty for an expired bond.

How to get your US bond through GCI

Simple process managed by GCI Global:

We calculate your required bond amount based on your US import history

Bond issued by our licensed US surety partner and transmitted to CBP

Bond activated in CBP's system — your US customs entries are now covered