Electronic Bond Transmission

Brief takeaway: CBP is proposing to require that most customs bonds be filed electronically rather than on paper, which could change how you and your surety submit bonds.

What changed: According to the notice, CBP is proposing to amend its regulations to require that most bonds be transmitted to CBP electronically through a specialized system. The notice states this transmission would be done by the surety securing the bond, or by the principal when a bond is secured by cash in lieu of surety. The notice describes this as a step to further centralize and streamline CBP's bond program.

Who's affected: The notice names parties who post bonds with CBP, including sureties securing bonds and principals on bonds secured by cash in lieu of surety. No specific product types, HTS chapters, or countries of origin are cited.

What to review:
- Review whether your bonds are currently filed on paper and how a shift to electronic transmission may affect your process.
- Confirm with your surety who would be responsible for electronic submission under the proposal.
- Check whether any bonds you post are secured by cash in lieu of surety, since the notice addresses principal transmission in that case.
- Confirm with your broker or surety the status, comment period, and any effective date of this proposed rule.

This is general information, not legal advice and not a compliance determination — confirm specifics with a licensed customs broker or trade counsel.