What Does Traveling In Bond Mean?
“Traveling in bond” is a legal and logistical term used in customs and international shipping. It refers to goods or cargo that move through a country—such as the United States—without officially clearing customs at the first point of entry. Instead, the goods are transported “in bond” under customs supervision to another authorized location, where they will undergo inspection, clearance, or export. This process allows for controlled movement without paying duties until the cargo reaches its final customs destination.
Key Features of Traveling In Bond
When goods are transported in bond, they are not yet officially entered into the commerce of the country. Instead, the shipment remains under government control during its journey.
- No customs duties are paid at the original port of entry
- The goods travel with special paperwork and authorization
- They are tracked until they reach the final bonded location
- They can be exported without entering the local market
Bonded shipments are common in air, rail, and trucking industries when moving cargo from one port to another or toward a foreign destination.
Common Scenarios Where Bonded Travel Applies
Traveling in bond is often used in specific commercial and international scenarios where customs clearance is delayed or intentionally deferred:
- Air freight moved from one airport to another before clearance
- Imported goods going to a bonded warehouse for storage or inspection
- Cargo transiting through the U.S. to another country without entering U.S. commerce
- Shipping containers transferred between ports under customs seal
This system is especially useful when a port of entry is not the final destination or when importers want to store goods before paying duties.
How It Works Legally
To travel in bond, shippers must file specific customs forms such as the Immediate Transportation (IT) entry (CBP Form 7512) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The shipment must remain sealed, and only bonded carriers are allowed to move the goods. Customs keeps track of the shipment to ensure it arrives as planned and is not diverted or tampered with.
- Only bonded carriers can legally move the cargo
- CBP supervises the shipment until final clearance
- Violations can result in fines or seizure of goods
Traveling in bond means that goods are being moved under customs control without immediate clearance or payment of duties. This process allows shipments to transit between ports or toward export while remaining secure and accounted for. It’s a valuable tool in global trade and logistics, helping importers and exporters move goods efficiently across borders without unnecessary delays at the first point of entry.