An in-bond or bonded transfer is required when an import shipment will not enter the US commerce. This can be the case when the cargo is just passing through the US, when the importer prefers to delay the entry due to quotas or changes in tariffs, or when the import shipment has a final destination outside of the US.

Doral Customs Brokers has expert customs brokers in Miami, Florida ready to process your bonded shipment. We work with our clients to issue bonded warehouse entries and in-bond transportation entries.

Many of our clients require a bonded warehouse entry or an in-bond transfer. A bonded warehouse entry allows for a shipment to be transferred to a bonded warehouse where it is held until it is exported or until it is entered with a formal entry. With an in-bond transfer the bonded cargo is transported in a bonded truck to another location. This other location must be a bonded area or another port of entry. Doral Customs Brokers, in partnership with one of the most reputable logistics companies in Miami, Florida, Next Day Cargo, offers ample bonded and IBEC warehouse space as well as reliable in bond transportation for all your in bond shipments in the area of Miami, Florida. While the import shipment is in our bonded warehouse area, any changes to the shipment must be previously approved by customs, as for example the issuance of a manipulation permit to open, inspect or handle the in-bond shipment.

IT (immediate transportation) entries are issued for bonded cargo that will be received at a US port and then immediately transported out of the country or to another port of entry. IT entries generate no duties due to US customs. Other shipments may be imported under a T&E entry or transportation and exportation entry. Under this type of entry the importer will move the cargo with a bonded truck or bonded transportation and once the cargo arrives at another US customs port the cargo will be exported.

Types of in-bond entries

  • IT – Immediate Transportation. Your cargo arrives at a U.S. port and moves under bond, without paying duties at arrival, to another U.S. port, where it is entered and duties are paid.
  • T&E – Transportation and Exportation. Your cargo arrives at a U.S. port, moves under bond to another U.S. port, and is exported from there without entering U.S. commerce.
  • IE – Immediate Exportation. Your cargo arrives at a U.S. port and is exported from the same port without entering U.S. commerce.

All in-bond entries are filed electronically with CBP, and the move must be covered by a CBP customs bond.

In-bond time limits

  • In-bond cargo must reach the destination or export port within 30 days.
  • Arrival must be reported to CBP within two business days of arriving at the destination or export port.
  • For T&E and IE, the cargo must be exported within 15 days of arriving at the port of exportation, and the export must be reported within two business days.
  • Goods placed in a bonded warehouse can stay up to 5 years from the date of importation.

Missing these deadlines can lead to liquidated damages or general order. We track every deadline for you.

How Doral Customs Brokers helps with in-bond shipments

  • We file your IT, T&E or IE entry and keep the in-bond record updated.
  • We arrange bonded trucking and bonded warehouse space in Miami through our logistics partner, Next Day Cargo.
  • We request CBP permits to manipulate, inspect or repack bonded cargo.
  • When your goods are ready, we file the formal entry or the export.
  • Bilingual service in English and Spanish.

Call 786-224-0500 or Request a quote

In-bond shipments FAQ

When do I need an in-bond?

When your cargo arrives at one U.S. port but will be entered at another port, or will be exported without entering U.S. commerce.

Do I pay duties on an in-bond shipment?

Not at the port of arrival. If the cargo is exported under a T&E or IE, no U.S. duties are paid. If it’s entered at the destination port, duties are paid there.

How long does an in-bond move take?

It depends on the route and transport, but CBP gives up to 30 days to deliver the cargo to the destination or export port.

What is the difference between an in-bond and a bonded warehouse entry?

An in-bond moves cargo under bond to another port. A bonded warehouse entry stores cargo under CBP control, for up to 5 years, until it’s entered or exported.