US customs bonds for Canadian businesses
A Canadian business that imports into the US as importer of record usually needs a US customs bond to clear formal entries. Carriers, bonded warehouses and foreign trade zone operators need one too. The bond is written on CBP Form 301, and the activity code sets what it covers.
CBP sets the amount. A continuous importer bond is the greater of $50,000 or 10% of the duties, taxes and fees paid over the prior 12 months. See US customs and commercial bonds for the activity codes and what to send.
What the program places
| Family | Examples | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Customs | CBP bonds: basic importation and entry (activity code 1), custodian (2), international carrier (3), foreign trade zone (4) | US customs and commercial bonds |
| Commercial | Licence and permit, tax, court and fiduciary bonds | US customs and commercial bonds |
| Contract | Bid bonds, agreements to bond, performance, labour and material payment, maintenance | Contract bonding |
We also arrange FMCSA freight broker bonds (BMC-84).
US federal construction
On US federal construction contracts over $150,000, performance and payment bonds are required (FAR 28.102-1). For work in the US, corporate sureties must appear on Treasury Circular 570 (FAR 28.202). State and local projects set their own rules. Send the bid documents and we confirm what the obligee will accept.
Why a Canadian file needs a US surety
- CBP accepts only sureties named in Treasury Circular 570 (19 CFR 113.37).
- US obligees often require a surety licensed in their state.
- Federal work requires a Treasury-listed surety.
- The bond form is the obligee's form, not a Canadian standard form.
How a US file moves
- Send the requirement: bond form or activity code, obligee, amount, dates.
- An underwriter reviews the client's financials and US exposure.
- Terms come back with any conditions, such as indemnity or collateral.
- The bond issues on the obligee's form from a US surety.
Every bond is subject to underwriting.
