Entry / Entry Summary · CBLE study guide
Customs bonds
Bond types, conditions, sufficiency, sureties, eBonds.
- 60past questions in CBLE Pass
- ≈2questions on a typical 80-question exam
- 19 CFR Part 113where the rules live
Common traps
Wrong answers on past exams cluster around a few beliefs. Here is each one, and what the rule actually says.
Bond processing time limits
“Bond deadlines are 5, 30 or 90 days.”
The rule: File continuous bonds/riders up to 60 days early (113.26(a)); principal termination takes effect at least 10 business days after receipt (113.27(a)); fix an inadequate bond within 15 days (113.13(c)); produce bonded documents within 120 days of notice (113.42); unsatisfied bonds go to the Office of Chief Counsel after 180 days (113.52).
Remember: 60 / 10 business / 15 / 120 / 180.
19 CFR 113.26 · 19 CFR 113.27 · 19 CFR 113.13(c) · 19 CFR 113.42 · 19 CFR 113.52
Which bond carries which conditions
“Custodial, importation and carrier bond conditions are interchangeable.”
The rule: Importation/entry conditions (pay duties, produce documents, redeliver, ISF, examination) are in 113.62. Custodial conditions (receive, safekeep and dispose of bonded goods, file reports, Class 9 sales tickets) are in 113.63. Container/IIT conditions are in 113.66.
Remember: Match the condition to the bond's job.
19 CFR 113.62 · 19 CFR 113.63 · 19 CFR 113.66
Remedying an inadequate bond
“The principal has 30 or more days to fix an insufficient bond.”
The rule: When CBP finds a bond inadequate, the principal has 15 days from notification to remedy the deficiency.
Remember: 15 days.
19 CFR 113.13(c)
Whose bond is liable
“The broker's bond or broker is liable when the importer of record is the client.”
The rule: The bond obligated is the importer of record's bond; liquidated damages are demanded from that principal and its surety.
Remember: Follow the IOR's bond.
19 CFR 113.62 · 19 CFR 142.15
Continuous bond application contents
“The application lists past bonds or a detailed merchandise forecast.”
The rule: A continuous bond application states the general character of the merchandise and the prior calendar year's duties, taxes and fees (plus estimated other taxes), which drives the bond amount.
Remember: Look back one calendar year; general character only.
19 CFR 113.11(b)
Surety vs. principal duties
“The surety obtains the bond, is the beneficiary, or pays all revenue without limit.”
The rule: The principal obtains the bond and pays all revenue due even above the bond amount; the surety submits bonds to CBP and pays only up to the bond amount; CBP is usually the obligee/beneficiary.
Remember: Surety: submits bonds, pays up to the limit.
ACE BRPD v12 sec. 3.3
Try a past question
October 2026 CBLE, question 52
If no law or regulation expressly provides that a lesser amount may be taken, which ONE of the CBP bond amounts is acceptable?
Show the answer and why
A. Incorrect. Bonds must be at least $100.
B. Incorrect. Bonds must be at least $100.
C. Correct. The minimum bond is $100 (19 CFR 113.13(a)); $125 is acceptable.
D. Incorrect. Bond amounts are stated in whole dollars, rounded to the next highest dollar, so $150.50 isn't a proper bond amount (19 CFR 113.13(a)).
19 CFR 113.13(a) · law as of 2026-11-09
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