CBP Amends 2001 Memo to Say STBs OK for Informals that Use a 3461
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a correction to a prior memorandum and administrative message on the bond requirements for informal entries, to indicate that a single transaction bond may be used as an alternative to a continuous bond, if filers opt to use a CBP Form 3461 followed by an entry summary.
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Original Memo Did Not Say STB Could be Used
The memorandum, Bond Requirements on Informal Entries, dated December 11, 2001, and Administrative Message No: 02-0070, dated January 14, 2002 (which is identical to the 2001 memo), were written omitting the permissible use of a single transaction bond (STB) when a broker uses the CBP Form 3461 entry for release, followed by an entry summary.
Text of Memo Corrected to Show STB Allowed
This CSMS message is correcting those documents to indicate that the use of an STB is allowed. The policy now reads as follows (added text noted by "+"):
"Informal entries that are presented with estimated duties, taxes and fees, at the time of presentation are not required to have a bond. These informal entries are treated in the same manner that we treat live entries. This means that we collect the money then provide examination, if required, and then provide a release. When a broker/filer chooses to use the CBP 3461 entry for release, followed by an entry summary (CBP 7501) within 10 days, then +either+ a continuous +or single transaction+ bond is required. Additionally, these informals must be paid via ACH statement method."
(According to sources, customs brokers and filers may choose to use the CBP Form 3461 followed by an entry summary for goods that qualify for informal entry. In addition, sources note that some CBP ports had been following the (incorrect) policy in the 2001 and 2002 documents. CBP states that another notice will be posted that contains this same information as the CSMS message.)
CBP contact: William Scopa, Chief, Revenue Policy and Programs Branch, Office of International Trade via e-mail, william.r.scopa@dhs.gov or at 202-863-6554.
(CSMS #12-000019, dated 01/24/2012)