What belongs in a customs bond quote request?
For the US leg of a Mexico shipment, start with the entity whose obligations the bond will secure. Then describe the import activity and exposure. The security amount and the price charged by the broker or surety are separate items in the proposal.
Name the principal before choosing the bond
A basic importation bond involves the principal, the surety and CBP as beneficiary. Its conditions include obligations addressed by 19 CFR 113.62. If a broker is filing on an importer’s behalf, confirm which entity is the principal and who authorizes the transaction.
Use the two-leg importer checklist to resolve the Mexican and US parties. A Mexican customs arrangement does not supply a US customs bond.
Compare two forms of coverage
| Option to discuss | Planning question | Ask the provider to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Single-transaction bond | Is this an occasional entry or a defined shipment? | The transaction covered, required amount, conditions, pricing and any additional requirements |
| Continuous bond | Does the importer expect repeated entries under the relevant activity? | Coverage period, bond sufficiency, premium, renewal and termination terms |
| Existing bond | Is the importer already covered for this activity and exposure? | Principal identity, current standing and whether expected imports require a review |
CBP sets bond requirements and may review sufficiency. The surety evaluates underwriting and commercial terms. Confirm the actual bond form and conditions with the broker or licensed surety rather than inferring them from shipment frequency alone.
Copy this inquiry brief
Send a non-confidential summary first. Supply identifiers or financial documents through the provider’s approved channel.
- Proposed US importer/principal, entity type, and broker contact.
- Product description, proposed HTSUS classification and relevant agency or trade-remedy questions.
- Number and frequency of entries, expected goods value and estimated duties, taxes and fees, with the assumptions behind the estimate.
- Ports or modes, planned first entry date and whether activity is seasonal or increasing.
- Existing bond, recent sufficiency requests or other notices to be reviewed by the issuer.
- Whether the request is for a particular transaction or ongoing coverage, and the desired quote validity period.
Use the same exposure assumptions for both bids
A manufacturer may import one machine and then begin repeated component shipments from Mexico. Have the broker describe the machine entry and the later import program separately. Ask both quote providers to use the same product, value and duty assumptions, and show any collateral or administrative charges outside the premium.
A tariff increase can change exposure without increasing the number of entries. When that happens, send the revised estimates and any CBP or surety notice back to the issuer. A previous premium does not confirm the bond remains sufficient. Bond amount and sufficiency
Resolve the issuer’s conditions before shipping
Request written confirmation of the principal, covered activity, effective date and any conditions still outstanding. For a nonresident corporate importer, ask the US broker about the additional entry conditions, including resident-agent and bond requirements. If the importer itself is unclear, return to the IOR guide.
AMMEX provides the preparation checklist. Bond issuance, underwriting, premiums and collateral terms come from the responsible broker or surety.
Continue with your records
Official sources and review scope
Source check 2026-11-12. This editorial guide organizes questions and records for a Mexico–US transaction. Confirm the rules, effective dates and facts with the responsible importer and qualified professionals before filing or committing goods.