Skip to main content
BSB
CBP Bond #972 • Standard Coverage

Customs General Continuous Bond

Get standard CBP continuous bonds for regular import operations. Required for ongoing international trade with competitive rates.

Bond Amount
$50,000+
Minimum required
Premium Rate
0.5-2%
Annually
24-48 hour approval
All U.S. ports
Standard imports
Licensed & Insured Agents
⚡ Quick Response Guaranteed
Get Your Surety bond Quote
Compare quotes from multiple A- minimum rated providers

Which describes your situation best?

Instant Bonds Available
24-hour approval
A- minimum rated carriers
24-48hrs
Fast Approval
A-Rated
CBP Carriers
$250+
From Annually
All Ports
U.S. Coverage

CBP Bond Amount Requirements

Standard bond amounts based on import activity and business profile

Regular Importers

$50,000 minimum bond
Annual coverage
Standard for most businesses

High Volume (>$500K)

10% of annual duties
Annual review required
Based on previous year activity

Frequent Importers

$50,000-$500,000
Continuous coverage
Multiple shipments per year

Multiple Locations

Enhanced bond amount
Multi-port coverage
Nationwide import operations

First-Time Importers

$50,000 standard
Initial bond period
New importer registration

Established Importers

Activity-based calculation
Ongoing compliance
3+ years import history

Important: CBP may require higher bond amounts based on your import volume, commodity types, or payment history. Consult with CBP or a licensed customs broker for specific requirements.

Who Needs This Bond?

General continuous bonds are required for regular importers conducting ongoing international trade operations.

Regular importers with ongoing international trade
Businesses importing multiple product categories
Companies with recurring import transactions
Manufacturers importing raw materials or components
Retailers importing finished goods for resale
Distributors handling imported merchandise

Common Import Categories

Types of merchandise covered by general continuous bonds

Consumer goods and retail merchandise
Industrial machinery and equipment
Raw materials and manufacturing components
Electronics and technology products
Automotive parts and accessories
Textiles and apparel products

Simple Application Process

Get your standard customs bond in three easy steps

1

Application

Complete bond application with import details and provide business and financial information.

2

Approval

Surety reviews application within 24-48 hours. Bond issued upon approval with certificate for CBP filing.

3

CBP Filing

Submit bond to CBP directly or via broker. Begin importing with continuous coverage.

Cost Savings Analysis

See why continuous bonds are more cost-effective

Single Transaction Bonds
$100-$500
Per Shipment
One import transaction only
Must purchase for each entry
Good for occasional importers
10 Shipments/Year
$1,000-$5,000
BEST VALUE
Continuous Bond
$250-$1,000
Per Year
All transactions for one year
Single annual premium
Ideal for regular importers
Unlimited Shipments
$250-$1,000

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about general continuous bonds

What is a customs general continuous bond?
A customs general continuous bond is a standard CBP-required surety bond that guarantees payment of duties, taxes, and fees for all of an importer's transactions during the bond period. It eliminates the need for individual transaction bonds.
How much does a standard customs continuous bond cost?
Standard customs continuous bond premiums typically range from 0.5-2% of the bond amount annually. For a $50,000 bond, you might pay $250-$1,000 per year depending on your financial strength and import history.
What bond amount do I need for standard imports?
CBP requires a minimum $50,000 continuous bond for most importers. Higher amounts may be required based on your annual import value, duties paid, or specific business circumstances. High-volume importers may need $100,000 or more.
How quickly can I get customs bond approval?
Most standard customs continuous bonds are approved within 24-48 hours for importers with good credit and complete applications. CBP processing typically takes an additional 1-2 business days after bond submission.
Can I use this bond for all types of imports?
Yes, a general continuous bond covers all standard import transactions including merchandise for resale, manufacturing components, and personal/business use items. Special circumstances may require additional coverage.
What happens when my continuous bond expires?
Continuous bonds must be renewed annually to maintain CBP compliance. We provide renewal notices and can automatically renew your bond to ensure continuous coverage for your import operations.

Related Customs Bonds

Explore other CBP bond options

Customs Continuous Reconciliation Bond

Enhanced bonds with reconciliation coverage for complex imports

Customs Single Entry Bond

One-time import transaction bonds for occasional importers

Transportation Broker Bond

Freight broker authority bonds for FMCSA compliance

Helpful Resources

Need Help with Customs Bonds?

Our customs bond experts are here to help you navigate CBP requirements and ensure proper coverage for your import operations.

Get StartedChat with Expert
Importer Guide
Everything you need to know about customs bonds
Bond Calculator
Determine your required bond amount
CBP Compliance
Stay compliant with import regulations
Written by BuySuretyBonds.com
Licensed surety bond agency operating nationwide with direct integrations to Treasury-certified surety carriers. Our platform enables instant approval for license and notary bonds, with 24-48 hour underwriting for commercial bonds. All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov) and reviewed by licensed insurance professionals.
Verify insurance producer licenses →

Ready to Get Your Customs Bond?

Fast approval, competitive rates, and expert support for your import operations

Get Your Quote Now