Entry Procedures and Documentation
Entry Procedures and Documentation
This domain tests the timeline and paperwork for getting merchandise into the United States: the entry, the entry summary, bonds, releases, and protests.
Core timelines
- Entry is filed within 15 calendar days after the merchandise arrives.
- The entry summary (CBP Form 7501) and duty payment are due within 10 working days after entry.
- For ocean cargo, the Importer Security Filing (10+2) is transmitted 24 hours before loading at the foreign port - not at arrival.
- A protest of a liquidation decision must be filed within 180 days after liquidation.
Parties and documents
The importer of record must be the owner, purchaser, or a licensed broker acting under a power of attorney. A continuous or single-transaction bond secures duties and compliance. Entry types include consumption, warehouse, foreign trade zone, temporary importation under bond, and in-bond transportation. Partner Government Agency data (FDA, USDA, CPSC) must be filed through ACE with the entry.
Worked example
A vessel arrives March 1. The broker files entry March 14 and the entry summary March 27. Entry is timely (within 15 calendar days). The summary is timely only if March 27 falls within 10 working days of March 14 - count working days, excluding weekends and holidays, not calendar days. If the tenth working day is March 28, the filing is timely.
Traps
- Counting calendar days for the entry summary instead of working days.
- Filing ISF at vessel arrival rather than 24 hours before loading.
- Missing that estimated duties are paid with the summary, not with the entry.