Entry: Definition, Types & Practical Examples in International Trade

You must file entry within 15 calendar days of cargo arrival at the port of entry. However, the entry summary and duty payment must be completed within 10 working days of entry filing. Missing these deadlines may result in cargo being sent to general order warehouse, incurring additional storage charges.

Yes, importers can file their own entries as "self-filers" without hiring a licensed customs broker. However, this requires obtaining an importer number, understanding classification rules, and navigating electronic filing systems. Most businesses use brokers for compliance expertise and time efficiency, especially for complex or high-value shipments.

Entry is the formal filing process that declares goods to customs authorities, while clearance is the official authorization to release those goods. Entry involves submitting documentation and paying duties; clearance is the customs decision allowing cargo to enter domestic commerce. Entry precedes clearance in the import timeline.

Minor errors may be corrected through post-entry amendments without penalties. Significant discrepancies in value, classification, or origin may trigger customs examinations, duty adjustments, and potential fines. Repeated errors can result in increased scrutiny, required continuous bonds, or audits of past entries under the reasonable care standard.

Single entry bonds cover individual shipments, while continuous bonds cover all entries over a 12-month period. Continuous bonds are cost-effective for regular importers, typically costing $400-$500 annually versus $50-$150 per single bond. CBP requires continuous bonds for entries exceeding $2,500 in value or subject to other agency regulations.

In Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ), goods enter "privileged foreign status" without formal customs entry. Duty payment is deferred until goods leave the zone for US consumption. This allows manufacturing, repackaging, or storage without immediate duty liability, potentially reducing costs if goods are later exported or transformed into lower-duty products.

You may request entry cancellation before goods are released, typically within the 10-day summary filing period. After release, entries cannot be withdrawn but can be amended through protest procedures if you discover errors. Cancellation does not affect your import record, but repeated cancellations may raise compliance questions.

Immediate delivery (ID) allows conditional release before completing formal entry procedures, providing same-day or next-day cargo availability. It's ideal for time-sensitive shipments, perishables, or just-in-time inventory. You must still file the complete entry summary within 10 days and post an appropriate bond covering potential duties and penalties.

Duties must be paid within 10 working days of entry filing for standard entries. Immediate delivery entries require duty estimates at release, with final calculation at summary filing. Warehouse entries defer duty payment until goods withdraw from the bonded facility. Statement processing allows qualifying importers to pay duties monthly rather than per shipment.

Remote Location Filing (RLF) allows brokers to file entries electronically from locations distant from the arrival port. This enables centralized processing teams to handle entries nationwide, improving efficiency and expertise concentration. Nearly all US entries now use RLF through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system.

US importers must retain entry documentation for five years from the date of entry. These records support potential customs audits, duty refund claims, and compliance verification. Electronic records are acceptable if they meet CBP recordkeeping standards. Failure to maintain proper records can result in penalties and limit your ability to challenge duty assessments.