CBP Clarifies Use of Electronic STBs to Secure Cargo Release

Excerpt from Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg |  February 25, 2015
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a message clarifying that electronic single transaction bonds submitted through the eBond environment for purposes of securing cargo release (activity type 1 bonds) should only be used when filing ACE cargo release, including ACE entry summary certified for ACE cargo release. If cargo release is filed in ACS, the use of electronic STBs in eBond is not allowed, including ACE entry summaries certified for ACS cargo release. CBP states that processing for these circumstances should take place according to current procedures used at the ports. Filers should work with their sureties to determine what type of STB is appropriate for their filing situation.

CBP adds that if an STB is submitted to eBond  for a circumstance in which a paper STB is required, the electronic STB should be voided and a bond should be issued for that transaction in accordance with the current procedures used at the ports.

The eBond test began Jan. 3 and is scheduled to run for approximately two years. The eBond system is intended to establish a single repository for the centralization of all eBonds within the Office of Administration’s Revenue Division, harmonize and enhance CBP’s bond processes, and eliminate flaws in the execution of customs bonds that may lead to increased legal risk for CBP. It is anticipated that the eBond test will reduce paper processing, expedite cargo release, allow for bonds to be transmitted beyond regular CBP business hours, and enhance traceability for audit purposes.

For more on eBond, click here.