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Pet Food Customs Bond

Commercial imports into the U.S. generally require a customs bond before an entry can be filed. We help you choose between single transaction and continuous bonds, connect you with licensed sureties, and complete CBP filing.

RegulatorU.S. CBP
IssuerLicensed surety
TypesSingle transaction / continuous
Effective inDays for a single bond
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What this service is

A customs bond is the financial guarantee an importer provides to CBP (19 CFR Part 113), issued by a licensed surety, securing payment of duties and taxes and the importer's compliance obligations.

Bonds come in two forms: a Single Transaction Bond covering one importation, and a Continuous Bond that renews annually and covers all of the principal's entries, with the amount set by CBP relative to the importer's historical duties and taxes, subject to a statutory minimum.

19 U.S.C. §162319 CFR Part 113

Who needs it

Companies that have appointed an IOR or act as importer themselves but hold no customs bond
Businesses with frequent shipments looking to move from single transaction to a continuous bond
Importers whose continuous bond amount no longer matches their import volume

Prerequisites and sequence

  • The importer of record is determined (your own U.S. entity or an appointed IOR).
  • An estimate of annual entry count and shipment value to select bond type and amount.

Who holds regulatory responsibility

Obligations under the bond rest with the importer. We assist with the application to a licensed surety and advise on type and amount; issuance and validity are decided by the surety.

Materials we need from you

Importer entity details (U.S. tax ID / CBP-assigned number)
Estimated annual import volume
Commercial documents for the first shipment (for a single transaction bond)

Process

  1. 01

    Select the bond type based on shipment frequency and volume

  2. 02

    Submit the application to a licensed surety

  3. 03

    Obtain the bond and complete CBP filing

  4. 04

    Maintain the continuous bond annually and adjust the amount as volume changes

Deliverables

An effective customs bond (single transaction or continuous)
CBP bond filing details

Timeline

A single transaction bond typically becomes effective within a few business days of application; continuous bond underwriting depends on the surety's review pace.

Scope

What we provide

  • Bond type and amount recommendation
  • Surety application coordination
  • CBP filing confirmation
  • Continuous bond amount re-assessment reminders

What is not included

  • The bond premium charged by the surety itself
  • Handling bond claims arising from filing violations
  • IOR entry filing services (see the IOR service)

Common pitfalls

Bond amount falling behind import volumeThe continuous bond amount is set by CBP relative to the importer's historical duties and taxes. If volume grows without an adjustment, entries can be blocked — raise the amount proactively at reassessment points.
Treating the bond premium as a duty or service feeThe bond is issued and priced by a licensed surety as a financial guarantee to CBP — it is neither a duty nor a service fee. Budget the premium separately from customs duties.
Buying single transaction bonds for frequent shipmentsA single transaction bond suits occasional imports; with steady, frequent shipments a continuous bond usually wins on total cost and convenience. Choose the type against annual entry count and value first.

Pricing

Pricing depends on your product, quantity, and target market. Submit your product details and we will come back with a defined scope and quote.

Request a quote

FAQ

How do I choose between single transaction and continuous bonds?

With few entries per year, a single transaction bond is enough; with steady, frequent shipments, a continuous bond usually wins on total cost and convenience.

Who receives the bond premium?

The bond is issued and priced by the licensed surety as a guarantee to CBP — it is not a service fee paid to us.

What happens if the bond amount is too low?

An insufficient amount can block entries. The continuous bond amount should scale with import volume, and we flag re-assessment points proactively.

Related services

Pet Food IORExporters without a U.S. entity can appoint a U.S.-based Importer of Record (IOR) to clear customs. We review entry elements, file the customs entry, and coordinate FDA release so pet food enters U.S. commerce compliantly.APHIS VS PermitPet food containing animal-origin ingredients may also need a USDA APHIS Veterinary Services import permit (VS Permit) before entering the U.S. We assess applicability, prepare the application, and follow it through issuance — organized per product, starting from 5 products.Pet Food Facility RegistrationAny facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds pet food for U.S. consumption must register with FDA and obtain an 11-digit registration number. A D-U-N-S Number and a U.S. agent are required first; we handle the full registration.

Disclaimer

This is an application coordination service; bond issuance and underwriting are decided by the licensed surety. This page is general information, not legal advice.