CCS Entry Procedures & Import Documentation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under what circumstance may CBP allow 'entry by bond' for goods that require a permit or license from another government agency?
- When duties have been prepaid
- When the permit or license is pending but expected (Correct answer)
- When the importer has a continuous bond
- When the goods are in a Free Trade Zone
Correct answer: When the permit or license is pending but expected
CBP may allow conditional release under bond when required agency permits are pending, with the bond guaranteeing compliance once the permit is obtained.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a commercial invoice in a US customs entry?
- To prove cargo insurance coverage
- To provide valuation and description details for duty assessment (Correct answer)
- To serve as a transportation contract
- To register the importer with CBP
Correct answer: To provide valuation and description details for duty assessment
The commercial invoice provides the transaction value, description of goods, and quantity needed by CBP to classify goods and assess duties.
Question 3: A 'warehouse entry' (Type 21) allows an importer to:
- Immediately consume goods duty-free
- Store goods in a bonded warehouse with duties deferred until withdrawal (Correct answer)
- Export goods without paying duties
- Transfer goods to a Foreign Trade Zone
Correct answer: Store goods in a bonded warehouse with duties deferred until withdrawal
A warehouse entry allows deferral of duty payment while goods are stored in a CBP-bonded warehouse for up to five years.
Question 4: Which of the following is NOT a required element on a commercial invoice for US customs purposes?
- Country of origin
- Unit price of merchandise
- Importer's social security number (Correct answer)
- Quantity and description of goods
Correct answer: Importer's social security number
A social security number is not required on commercial invoices; required elements include country of origin, price, quantity, description, and seller/buyer details.
Question 5: What is a 'CF-28' (CBP Form 28) used for in the entry process?
- To request a binding ruling from CBP
- To request information or documentation from the importer during entry review (Correct answer)
- To file a protest against CBP's liquidation
- To declare restricted merchandise
Correct answer: To request information or documentation from the importer during entry review
CBP Form 28 (Request for Information) is issued to importers when CBP needs additional documentation or clarification to process an entry.
Question 6: For a Section 321 de minimis entry, what is the current value threshold below which goods may enter duty- and tax-free?
- $200
- $800 (Correct answer)
- $1,000
- $2,500
Correct answer: $800
Under Section 321, goods valued at $800 or less per shipment per day per person may enter the US free of duties and taxes.
Question 7: What happens to an entry if CBP issues a 'CF-29' (Notice of Action) and the importer does not respond within the specified timeframe?
- The entry is automatically approved
- CBP may proceed with the proposed rate advance or penalty (Correct answer)
- The goods are seized
- The bond is automatically cancelled
Correct answer: CBP may proceed with the proposed rate advance or penalty
If an importer fails to respond to a CF-29 within the time allowed, CBP may take the proposed action, such as advancing the duty rate or issuing a penalty.
CCS Entry Procedures & Import Documentation 3
Under what circumstance may CBP allow 'entry by bond' for goods that require a permit or license from another government agency?