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:

1. Statement of general characteristics of merchandise/passengers
2. Estimated value of merchandise transporting
3. Method of transportation (vessel, vehicle, aircraft, rail, etc.)
4. Country(s) in which transporting activities will occur
5. 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.”
6. 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):

1. Copy of company’s Air Carrier Certificate
2. Copy(s) of each aircraft’s Certificate of Aircraft Registration
3. Completed US Customs Application for Activity Code 3 Bond form
4. Completed C3 Bondholder Questionnaire form
5. Completed bond application form
6. Completed power-of-attorney form
7. Company’s most recent financial statements

Fax all of the above to Trade Risk Guaranty at (406) 992-6501 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.