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Ports, Terminals & Transit

In-Bond Movement

Also known as: In-Bond, Bonded Transit

An in-bond movement allows imported goods to travel from the port of arrival to another customs location — for entry, examination, or export — without formal customs entry or payment of duty at the first port, the obligations being secured by a bond during transit. It lets importers clear goods at an interior port closer to their destination, move merchandise between ports for export, or warehouse it under bond, all while duties remain suspended. Strict controls govern the routing and timely arrival of in-bond shipments, since the procedure keeps dutiable goods within the customs system while deferring final accounting.

The JFS takeLicensed customs broker · Filer 82G

Moving goods under bond from arrival to another port without entering commerce, useful for clearing inland or for goods intended for export. It is a custody chain with deadlines — an in-bond that is never closed generates liquidated damages against the bond, and open in-bonds are a favorite audit finding.

Where it matters for compliance

  • Movements are time-limited and must be reported and closed.
  • Failure to close an in-bond results in liquidated damages against the bond.

Related terms

Bonded CarrierA bonded carrier is a transportation provider authorized by the customs authority, and covered by a customs bond, to move imported goods that have not yet been cleared or that are traveling under bond between customs locations.Port of EntryA port of entry is a place — a seaport, airport, or land border crossing — officially designated by the customs authority where goods may lawfully enter a country and where customs and partner-agency officers are stationed to process and inspect them.Bonded WarehouseA bonded warehouse is a secure facility, authorized and supervised by the customs authority, in which imported goods may be stored without payment of duty for an extended period.

Reviewed by a licensed customs broker. Definitions are general information, not legal or customs advice for a particular shipment. Duty rates, tariff programs and agency requirements change frequently.