CBP Instructions for Continuous Bonds Rendered Insufficient Due to Bad Address
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a notice providing instructions for the trade for continuous bonds rendered insufficient due to a "bad address."
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Importer is Responsible for Ensuring Their Address on File with CBP is Valid
CBP states that with regard to bonds rendered insufficient due to a 'bad address', the importer is responsible for ensuring that their address on file with CBP is valid at all times.
Steps to Rectify Insufficiency of Continuous Bonds Due to "Bad Address"
In order to rectify insufficiency of the continuous bond due to a 'bad address', the importer must take one of the following actions:
If address on file is correct, importer should write the Bond Team. The importer may verify that the mailing address currently on file with CBP is correct by querying that address via ABI or ACE.
If the address currently on file with CBP is correct, the importer should submit a short letter to the Bond Team specifying its current address and certifying that it receives mail at that location. This letter should be on company letterhead and signed by an officer of the company. It should be faxed to (317) 298-1042, or emailed to cbp.bondquestions@dhs.gov.
Regardless of how it is submitted, this response should clearly indicate in the subject line "Bad Address / Bond Insufficient". When CBP receives this documentation, the Revenue Division will return the bond to sufficient status and make one more attempt to send mail to the address.
If mailing address is incorrect, importer should file a CBP Form 5106, etc. If the mailing address currently on file with CBP is incorrect, the importer must file a properly executed CBP 5106 form and an Address Change bond rider (if there is any change to the physical address).
The CBP 5106 form should show both a mailing and physical address even if they are identical. These documents should be faxed to (317) 614-4517, or emailed to cbp.bondquestions@dhs.gov.
Regardless of how they are submitted, the cover sheet should clearly indicate in the subject line "Bad Address / Bond Insufficient". Please note that a bond rider is only required if the physical address is being added or updated.
The bond will be returned to sufficient status after the processing of the above paperwork has been completed. CBP asks the trade to allow 5 business days from date of receipt for processing.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 05/21/08 news, 08052105, for BP summary of CBP updating its Bond Team's "Policies and Procedures" document.)
CBP notice (dated 07/28/08) available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/priority_trade/revenue/bonds/pilot_program/insufficient_bonds.xml