This bond ensures operators properly manifest all goods and passengers they
carry, pay for the overtime services of Customs officers and comply with all
regulations related to the clearance of their vehicles.
All commercial carriers, including Part 135 charter for hire operators, arriving
directly or indirectly in the United States from foreign countries or departing
the United States for foreign destination by vessel, vehicle, or aircraft, are
required to have an approved International Carrier Bond on file with Customs
and Border Protection. Application should be made per the following
instructions prior to submission of a Customs Form 301.
International Carrier Bond conditions and responsibilities are listed in section
113.64 of the Customs Regulations. Visit the Customs website
www.cbp.gov for a copy of further information. If the Port Director
approves a bond based upon the application, you are also obligated to adhere to
section 113.12.
There are two (2) steps the carrier must complete in order to obtain an Activity
Code 3, International Carrier continuous Customs bond:
Step 1: Submit Application Letter to Customs & Border Protection at one port
you will be operating. Application Letter must be on your company letterhead
and include the following:
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Statement of general characteristics of merchandise/passengers
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Estimated value of merchandise transporting
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Method of transportation (vessel, vehicle, aircraft, rail, etc.)
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Country(s) in which transporting activities will occur
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Statement of certification: “I certify that the factual information contained
in this application is true and accurate and any information provided which is
based upon estimates is based upon the best information available on the date
of this application.”
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List of the officers of the company, including title, as well as a list of all
persons employed by the company in carriage, receipt, storage, delivery, and
cargo handling of imported merchandise. These lists shall include names,
addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, dates and places of birth.
Furnishing this personal data substantially expedites processing and prevents
misidentification
Step 2: Once Application Letter is approved by Customs & Border Protection
you should submit the following to Trade Risk Guaranty (all “forms” provided by
TRG):
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Copy of company’s Air Carrier Certificate
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Copy(s) of each aircraft’s Certificate of Aircraft Registration
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Completed US Customs Application for Activity Code 3 Bond form
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Completed C3 Bondholder Questionnaire form
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Completed bond application form
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Completed power-of-attorney form
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Company’s most recent financial statements
Fax all of the above to Trade Risk Guaranty at (847) 756-7545 for immediate
review and submission to underwriting. Underwriting time will depend on carrier
company’s timeliness in submitting items requested by underwriter. Customs
& Border Protection typically requires 10 business days notice to process a
bond request. TRG will make formal bond request to CBP once underwriting is
approved.