Customs Glossary: US Import Terms in Plain English

Definitions reflect US law and CBP practice as of November 9, 2026. Dollar amounts and tariff rates change, so the date matters. When a definition says "you", it means the importer of record. Links in each entry go to the statute, regulation or CBP page that backs it up.

A

ABI (Automated Broker Interface) #: The electronic link that licensed brokers and self-filing importers use to send entries and other filings to CBP's ACE system. CBP publishes the record formats as the CATAIR. CAPE refund declarations are the exception: they are uploaded in the ACE Portal, not sent through ABI. Source: CBP, ACE CATAIR (ABI technical requirements); CBP, IEEPA Duty Refunds (modified Nov. 2, 2026).
Accelerated payment (drawback) #: A drawback privilege that lets CBP pay estimated drawback before the claim liquidates. You need a bond, and you apply on CBP's combined privilege application. Source: 19 CFR 190.92, accelerated payment (Cornell LII); CBP, TFTEA combined privilege application.
ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) #: CBP's system for processing imports and exports. Entries, bonds, statements and refunds all run through it. The ACE Portal is the web side, where an importer can run reports on its own entries and file CAPE refund declarations. Source: CBP, Automated Commercial Environment.
ACH refund authorization #: Bank details an importer enters on the ACH Refund Authorization tab of the ACE Portal so CBP can pay refunds electronically. They are separate from the bank details used to pay CBP. Without them, IEEPA refunds are held. Source: CBP, IEEPA Duty Refunds (modified Nov. 2, 2026).
Ad valorem, specific and compound duty #: An ad valorem duty is a percentage of value, such as 5%. A specific duty is a fixed amount per unit, such as cents per kilogram. A compound duty combines both. The HTS lists which applies to each line. Source: USITC, Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
AD/CVD (antidumping and countervailing duties) #: Extra duties on specific products from specific countries, set to offset dumping below fair value or foreign subsidies. Rates are case-specific and can be very high. AD/CVD duties are never eligible for drawback. Source: CBP, antidumping and countervailing duties.

B

Binding ruling #: A written decision from CBP on how your goods will be treated, most often their classification or country of origin, requested before you import. It binds CBP at every port for the goods described. See also CROSS. Source: 19 CFR part 177, administrative rulings (eCFR).
Bonded warehouse #: A CBP-approved warehouse where imported goods can be stored without paying duty for up to five years from importation. Duty is paid only when goods are withdrawn for US consumption. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1557, bonded warehouses (Cornell LII).

C

CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries) #: The ACE Portal tool CBP built to pay IEEPA tariff refunds. You upload a CSV of entry numbers, up to 9,999 per declaration. Phase 1 opened April 20, 2026, Phase 2 on June 29, and Phase 3 for finally liquidated entries of court plaintiffs on Oct. 6. Only the importer of record or the filing broker can submit. See our IEEPA refund guide. Source: CBP, IEEPA Duty Refunds (modified Nov. 2, 2026); CBP, CAPE Trade Information Notice (July 10, 2026); Supply Chain Dive, CBP starts paying refunds for finally liquidated entries (Oct. 8, 2026).
CBLE (Customs Broker License Exam) #: The exam an individual must pass to get a customs broker license. CBP holds it in April and October. Applicants must also be US citizens, at least 21, and not current federal employees. Source: CBP, becoming a customs broker.
CBP (US Customs and Border Protection) #: The agency in the Department of Homeland Security that clears imports, collects duties and fees, licenses customs brokers and pays refunds. Its email addresses end in @cbp.dhs.gov. Source: CBP CSMS #68569567, protecting your information on IEEPA refunds (May 7, 2026).
CBP Form 28 (request for information) #: A request from CBP for more information about an entry, such as product details, costs or proof of origin. Answer it fully and on time, because CBP can decide the entry on the facts it has. Source: 19 CFR 151.11, request for information (Cornell LII).
CBP Form 29 (notice of action) #: A notice that CBP intends to change, or has changed, something on your entry, such as the classification, value or duty rate. It usually leads to a bill or a rate advance at liquidation. Talk to your broker before the response date.
CBP Form 4811 (special address notification) #: Names a third party, the "notify party", to receive CBP bills or refunds for an importer. For IEEPA refunds, a 4811 notify party redirects the money, so never let a provider add itself without a clear reason. Source: CBP Form 4811, special address notification; CBP, CAPE Trade Information Notice (July 10, 2026).
CBP Form 5106 (create/update importer identity) #: The form that registers an importer, or an ultimate consignee, with CBP. It is filed with the first formal entry or the first request that will produce a bill or refund, and it sets the importer number used on entries. Source: 19 CFR 24.5, filing identification number (Cornell LII).
CBP Form 5291 (customs power of attorney) #: The power of attorney that authorizes a broker to act for you with CBP. Since December 19, 2022, the broker must get it directly from you, not through a freight forwarder, and must verify who you are. Source: CBP, power of attorney job aid (Pub. 2034-1022); Federal Register, modernization of the customs broker regulations (Oct. 18, 2022).
CBP Form 7501 (entry summary) #: The document that lists what you imported, its classification, value, origin and the duties owed. It is generally filed with estimated duties within 10 working days after the goods are released. Source: CBP Form 7501, entry summary; 19 CFR 142.12, entry summary filing (Cornell LII).
CBP Form 7553 (drawback notice of intent) #: The notice that tells CBP you plan to export or destroy goods for an unused-merchandise drawback claim. It is due 5 working days before export or 7 working days before destruction, unless you have a waiver. Source: CBP Form 7553, notice of intent to export, destroy or return for drawback; CBP, drawback overview (modified Feb. 11, 2025).
Chapter 99 (HTS) #: The part of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule that holds temporary and additional duties, such as Section 301 and Section 232 numbers starting with 9903. These numbers are reported on the entry next to the regular HTS number, which is how duties stack. Source: USITC, Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
CIT (Court of International Trade) #: The federal court in New York that hears customs and tariff cases, including challenges to denied protests and IEEPA refund suits under 28 U.S.C. 1581(i), which carry a two-year time limit. Source: 28 U.S.C. 1581, Court of International Trade jurisdiction (Cornell LII); Barnes & Thornburg via National Law Review, Phase III delays and action steps (Sept. 11, 2026).
Commercial invoice #: The seller's invoice for the goods. CBP requires specific details on it, including a description, quantities, prices, currency, the seller and buyer, and the country of origin. Source: 19 CFR 141.86, contents of the commercial invoice (Cornell LII).
Continuous bond #: A customs bond that covers all your entries and ISF filings for a year. The amount is the greater of $50,000 or 10% of the duties, taxes and fees you paid in the prior 12 months. Clearit publishes $500 a year. See what a broker costs. Source: AACB, continuous bond vs single entry bond; Clearit USA, pricing (viewed Nov. 8, 2026).
Country of origin #: The country where goods were wholly obtained or, if made from parts from several countries, last substantially transformed into a new product. Origin drives duty rates, extra duties and how goods must be marked. Source: 19 CFR part 134, country of origin marking (eCFR).
CROSS (Customs Rulings Online Search System) #: CBP's free, searchable database of its past rulings on classification, origin, valuation and more. Check it before you classify a new product or request your own ruling. Source: CBP, Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS).
CSMS (Cargo Systems Messaging Service) #: CBP's official bulletin service for the trade. New duties, ACE changes and refund instructions are announced in numbered CSMS messages, such as CSMS #68569567 on refund scams. Source: CBP, Cargo Systems Messaging Service; CBP CSMS #68569567, protecting your information on IEEPA refunds (May 7, 2026).
CTPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) #: A voluntary CBP program in which importers, brokers and carriers commit to supply chain security standards. Members can get fewer exams and other benefits. Source: CBP, CTPAT.
Customs bond #: A contract in which a surety guarantees CBP that you will pay duties, fees and penalties and follow the rules. You need one for formal entries and for ISF. It comes as a continuous bond or a single transaction bond. Source: CBP, customs bonds.
Customs broker (licensed) #: A person or company licensed by CBP to transact customs business for importers. Only a licensed broker can do that for someone else. CBP counts about 14,454 active licensed brokers. See how to choose a customs broker. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1641, customs brokers (Cornell LII); CBP, becoming a customs broker.
Customs business #: The legal term for dealings with CBP about the entry and admissibility of goods, their classification and value, payment of duties, and refunds and drawback of those duties. It is the work only a licensed broker can do for others. Source: 19 CFR 111.1, definitions (Cornell LII).

D

De minimis (Section 321) #: The rule that once let shipments worth $800 or less enter duty-free. Duty-free treatment has been suspended for all countries since August 29, 2025, CBP made the suspension a regulation on June 24, 2026, and a statute repeals it for commercial shipments from July 1, 2027. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1321, de minimis (Cornell LII); Federal Register, suspension of the de minimis exemption (June 24, 2026); Mondaq, de minimis eliminated July 2027 under H.R. 1.
Deemed liquidation #: If CBP does not liquidate an entry within one year of entry, and has not extended or suspended it, the entry is treated as liquidated at the duty you declared. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1504, limitation on liquidation (Cornell LII).
Disbursement fee #: What a broker charges for paying duties and fees to CBP on your behalf. Clearit, for example, charges 5% of duties, MPF and other payables. On a high-duty entry it can exceed the entry fee. Source: Clearit USA, pricing (viewed Nov. 8, 2026).
Drawback, manufacturing #: Drawback on imported materials used to make goods that are exported or destroyed. Direct identification falls under 19 U.S.C. 1313(a); substitution, using domestic or other materials of the same kind, under 1313(b). Source: 19 U.S.C. 1313, drawback (Cornell LII); CBP, drawback overview (modified Feb. 11, 2025).
Drawback, rejected merchandise #: Drawback on imported goods returned because they did not match the order, were defective, or were shipped without the buyer's consent, under 19 U.S.C. 1313(c). Petroleum has its own type under 1313(p). Source: 19 U.S.C. 1313, drawback (Cornell LII); CBP, drawback overview (modified Feb. 11, 2025).
Drawback, unused merchandise #: Drawback on imported goods exported or destroyed without being used in the US. Direct identification falls under 19 U.S.C. 1313(j)(1); substitution under 1313(j)(2). It needs a Form 7553 notice unless you hold a waiver. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1313, drawback (Cornell LII); CBP, drawback overview (modified Feb. 11, 2025).
Duty drawback #: A refund of 99% of the duties, taxes and fees paid on imported goods that are later exported or destroyed, or used to make exported goods. Claims are filed in ACE within five years of import. See our drawback guide. Source: Federal Register, modernized drawback final rule (Aug. 2, 2018); CBP, drawback overview (modified Feb. 11, 2025).

E

Entry #: The filing that gets imported goods released by CBP, followed by the entry summary on CBP Form 7501. "Entry" also means the transaction itself, identified by an entry number. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1484, entry of merchandise (Cornell LII).
Entry number #: The 11-character number that identifies an entry: a three-character filer code, a seven-digit serial number and a check digit. CAPE refund declarations are CSV files of entry numbers. Source: CBP, IEEPA Duty Refunds (modified Nov. 2, 2026).
Entry type #: A two-digit code on each entry. Common ones: 01 for a regular consumption entry, 11 for an informal entry, 21 for a warehouse entry, 06 for consumption from a foreign-trade zone, and 09 for a reconciliation entry. Some CAPE phases cover only certain types. Source: CBP, CAPE Trade Information Notice (July 10, 2026).
Extension and suspension of liquidation #: CBP can extend liquidation when it needs more information or you ask for more time, but not past four years from entry. It suspends liquidation when a court order or statute requires it, as with many AD/CVD entries. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1504, limitation on liquidation (Cornell LII).

F

Filer code #: The three-character code CBP assigns to each broker or self-filer. It starts every entry number. For IEEPA refunds, the filer code on a CAPE declaration must match the entries, so a new broker generally can't file for entries your old broker made. Source: CBP, IEEPA Duty Refunds (modified Nov. 2, 2026).
Finally liquidated #: An entry whose 180-day protest window has passed without a protest. For IEEPA duties, CBP currently refunds finally liquidated entries only through CAPE Phase 3, for importers with their own Court of International Trade case. Source: CBP, IEEPA Duty Refunds (modified Nov. 2, 2026); Supply Chain Dive, CBP starts paying refunds for finally liquidated entries (Oct. 8, 2026).
First sale for export #: A way to value goods on the price the middleman paid the factory, instead of the higher price you paid the middleman, when the earlier sale was a real sale for export to the US. A lower value means lower ad valorem duty. It needs strong documents. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1401a, value (Cornell LII).
Formal entry #: The standard entry type for commercial shipments, generally required above $2,500 in value and for goods under quota or AD/CVD at any value. It needs a customs bond. Source: 19 CFR 143.21, informal entry (Cornell LII); Greenwich Mercantile, CBP Form 7501 guide.
Freestyle World class (IEEPA class action) #: The nationwide class of importers of record that paid IEEPA duties from Feb. 1, 2025, to Feb. 19, 2026, certified by the Court of International Trade on Oct. 8, 2026. There is no sign-up, filing your own suit takes you out, and certification alone pays no refunds. Source: Customs & International Trade Law blog, IEEPA class and Phase 3 refunds (Oct. 19, 2026); Davis Wright Tremaine, CIT certifies IEEPA duty refund importer class (Oct. 14, 2026).
Freight forwarder #: A company that arranges transport of your goods. A forwarder is not a customs broker unless it also holds a broker license, and since 2022 a broker must get your power of attorney directly from you, not through the forwarder. Source: 19 CFR 111.36, relations with unlicensed persons (Cornell LII); Federal Register, modernization of the customs broker regulations (Oct. 18, 2022).
FTZ (foreign-trade zone) #: A secure area under CBP supervision that is treated as outside US customs territory for duty purposes. Goods in a zone pay no duty until they enter US commerce, and none if they are re-exported. Zones are approved by the FTZ Board. Source: 19 U.S.C. 81c, foreign-trade zones (Cornell LII); International Trade Administration, about foreign-trade zones.

G

General order (GO) #: Goods not entered within 15 calendar days after landing can be sent to a general order warehouse, where storage costs pile up and the goods can eventually be sold. Source: 19 CFR 4.37, general order (Cornell LII).

H

HMF (harbor maintenance fee) #: A fee of 0.125% of the value of goods arriving by ocean. Air and truck shipments don't pay it. Source: 19 CFR 24.24, harbor maintenance fee (Cornell LII); Juno Logistics, US customs user fees for FY2027 (summary of FR Doc. 2026-15530).
HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States) #: The US tariff schedule, published by the US International Trade Commission. Each product has a 10-digit number. The first 6 digits follow the international Harmonized System, and the rest are US-specific. Source: USITC, Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

I

IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) #: The 1977 law the government used to impose many 2025 tariffs. On Feb. 20, 2026, the Supreme Court held that IEEPA does not authorize tariffs, and collection stopped for goods entered from Feb. 24, 2026. Source: 50 U.S.C. 1701, IEEPA (Cornell LII); Thomson Reuters, Supreme Court rejects IEEPA as a tariff statute (Feb. 20, 2026); Thompson Hine SmarTrade, IEEPA-based tariffs ending Feb. 24, 2026.
IEEPA refund #: The refund of IEEPA duties, with interest, that CBP pays to the importer of record through CAPE. CBP charges nothing for it. See our IEEPA refund guide and refund providers compared. Source: CBP, IEEPA Duty Refunds (modified Nov. 2, 2026).
Importer number #: The number that identifies the importer of record on entries, usually its IRS employer identification number, or a CBP-assigned number. It is set up through CBP Form 5106. Source: 19 CFR 24.5, filing identification number (Cornell LII).
Importer of record (IOR) #: The party legally responsible for an import: filing the entry, using reasonable care, and paying duties. It is the owner or purchaser of the goods, or a licensed broker it designates. CBP pays IEEPA refunds only to the importer of record or its Form 4811 notify party. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1484, entry of merchandise (Cornell LII); CBP, IEEPA Duty Refunds (modified Nov. 2, 2026).
Informal entry #: A simpler entry for most shipments valued at $2,500 or less, with a flat merchandise processing fee of $2.77 from Oct. 1, 2026. Since de minimis was suspended, many small commercial shipments go this way. Source: 19 CFR 143.21, informal entry (Cornell LII); Juno Logistics, US customs user fees for FY2027 (summary of FR Doc. 2026-15530).
Interest on refunds #: CBP adds interest to duty refunds from the date you deposited the duty to liquidation or reliquidation. For IEEPA refunds it is included automatically, at rates set quarterly by the IRS. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1505, payment of duties and fees; interest (Cornell LII); CBP, IEEPA Duty Refunds (modified Nov. 2, 2026).
ISF (Importer Security Filing, "10+2") #: Advance cargo data for ocean shipments: 10 elements from the importer and 2 from the carrier. The importer's elements are due no later than 24 hours before loading at the foreign port. Late, inaccurate or incomplete filings can cost $5,000 per violation. Source: CBP, Importer Security Filing FAQ; CBP, ISF FAQ 2.0 (2023).

L

Liquidated damages #: A claim CBP makes against your bond when you break a bond condition, such as filing an ISF late. The amount is set by the bond terms, and you can petition for relief. Source: CBP, ISF FAQ 2.0 (2023).
Liquidation #: CBP's final computation of the duties owed on an entry. It usually happens about 314 days after entry. Liquidation starts the 180-day protest window and is when refunds or bills on that entry become final. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1504, limitation on liquidation (Cornell LII); CBP, IEEPA Duty Refunds (modified Nov. 2, 2026).

M

Marking (country of origin) #: The rule that most imported goods, or their containers, must show the English name of the country of origin in a legible, permanent way so the final buyer can see it. Source: 19 CFR part 134, country of origin marking (eCFR).
MPF (merchandise processing fee) #: A CBP fee on formal entries of 0.3464% of value, with a minimum of $34.58 and a maximum of $670.86 for entries filed from Oct. 1, 2026. Informal entries pay a flat $2.77. Source: 19 CFR 24.23, merchandise processing fee (Cornell LII); Juno Logistics, US customs user fees for FY2027 (summary of FR Doc. 2026-15530).

N

National permit #: Since December 19, 2022, a licensed broker holds one national permit to do business at any US port, replacing district permits. The FY2027 permit fee is $190.88. Source: Federal Register, modernization of the customs broker regulations (Oct. 18, 2022); CBP, customs brokers (modified Oct. 22, 2026).

O

Offset #: CBP can apply a refund against debts you owe the US, such as unpaid bills, before paying you. In ACE reports, offset IEEPA refunds show as "Funds Diverted". Source: 19 CFR 24.72, offsets (Cornell LII); CBP, IEEPA Duty Refunds (modified Nov. 2, 2026).

P

Periodic monthly statement (PMS) #: A way to pay duties for a month's entries in one ACH payment instead of entry by entry. Payment is due by the 15th working day of the following month. Source: 19 CFR 24.25, statement processing and ACH (Cornell LII).
PGA (partner government agency) #: Another federal agency with rules for certain imports, such as FDA for food, drugs and cosmetics, USDA for plants and animals, EPA for chemicals and engines, and CPSC for children's products. Brokers file PGA data with the entry, usually for an extra fee. Source: Clearit USA, pricing (viewed Nov. 8, 2026).
Prior disclosure #: Telling CBP about an underpayment or other violation before it opens an investigation. A valid prior disclosure, with the duty paid, sharply limits penalties. It is usually handled by a trade attorney. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1592, penalties for fraud, gross negligence and negligence (Cornell LII).
Protest #: A formal challenge to a CBP decision, such as a liquidation, filed on CBP Form 19 or in ACE within 180 days of the decision. A denied protest can be taken to the Court of International Trade. CAPE won't process an entry with an open protest. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1514, protests (Cornell LII); CBP, IEEPA Duty Refunds (modified Nov. 2, 2026).
PSC (post-summary correction) #: An electronic correction to an entry summary before liquidation. It can be filed within 300 days of entry and at least 15 days before the scheduled liquidation date, whichever is earlier. PSCs that remove IEEPA duties are not allowed. Source: CBP, post-summary correction; CBP, IEEPA Duty Refunds (modified Nov. 2, 2026).

R

Reasonable care #: The legal duty of the importer of record to use reasonable care in classifying, valuing and declaring its goods. Hiring a broker doesn't transfer this duty. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1484, entry of merchandise (Cornell LII).
Reconciliation #: A program that lets you flag an entry for items you can't finalize at entry, such as value or trade agreement claims, and settle them later on a Type 09 reconciliation entry. Source: CBP, reconciliation.
Recordkeeping #: Importers must keep entry records for 5 years from the date of entry. Drawback records have their own, longer rule. Source: 19 CFR 163.4, record retention period (Cornell LII).
Reliquidation #: A new liquidation of an entry that changes the duties first assessed, for example after a granted protest or a court order. For IEEPA refunds on finally liquidated entries, CBP needs a court-ordered reliquidation. Source: CBP, IEEPA Duty Refunds (modified Nov. 2, 2026); Supply Chain Dive, CBP starts paying refunds for finally liquidated entries (Oct. 8, 2026).
Responsible supervision and control #: The rule that a licensed broker must oversee the customs business its staff carry out. Many entry writers are not licensed themselves and work under this supervision. Source: 19 CFR 111.28, responsible supervision and control (Cornell LII).

S

Section 122 #: A law that lets the President impose a temporary import surcharge of up to 15% for up to 150 days for balance-of-payments reasons. A 10% surcharge ran from Feb. 24 to July 24, 2026. The CIT held it unlawful on May 7, 2026, for the named plaintiffs only, and the ruling is stayed on appeal. Source: 19 U.S.C. 2132, Section 122 (Cornell LII); Fennemore, new tariffs replace expiring Section 122 tariffs (July 24, 2026); Holland & Knight, CIT invalidates Section 122 tariffs (May 8, 2026).
Section 232 #: A law that lets the President restrict imports that threaten national security. Duties in force in 2026 include 50% on steel, aluminum and copper and 25% on autos and parts. They were not affected by the IEEPA ruling and are not being refunded. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1862, Section 232 (Cornell LII); Alliance CHB, tariff drawback cheat sheet (July 2026).
Section 301 #: A law that lets the US Trade Representative act against unfair foreign trade practices. It covers the China tariffs, a 25% duty on Brazilian goods, and since July 24, 2026, "forced labor" duties of 10% or 12.5% on goods from 60 economies. Section 301 duties are drawback-eligible. Source: 19 U.S.C. 2411, Section 301 (Cornell LII); Livingston, Section 301 forced labor duties take effect July 24, 2026; Alliance CHB, tariff drawback cheat sheet (July 2026); CBP CSMS #69567203, drawback on Section 301 codes (Aug. 18, 2026).
Section 338 #: A 1930 law that lets the President add duties of up to 50% on goods from countries that discriminate against US commerce. July 2026 proclamations used it on certain Canadian dairy, alcohol and vehicles. Check its current status with your broker. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1338, Section 338 (Cornell LII); PwC Canada, US imposes tariffs on dairy, alcohol and vehicles (2026).
Selling a refund claim #: Taking cash now from a fund in exchange for some or all of a future tariff refund. Reported prices have run from about 20 to 80 cents on the dollar, and deals are structured as contractual interests or loans because unpaid claims against the US generally can't be assigned. Source: Sidley, IEEPA tariff refund claims: considerations for claims purchasers (April 2026).
Single transaction bond #: A customs bond that covers one entry. Clearit, for example, charges $5 per $1,000 of value with a $40 minimum, plus $35 to prepare it. Ocean shipments also need ISF bond coverage. Source: Clearit USA, pricing (viewed Nov. 8, 2026); AACB, continuous bond vs single entry bond.
Substantial transformation #: The usual test for origin when a product is made from parts of several countries: origin is the last country where processing turned the parts into a new article with a new name, character or use. Source: 19 CFR part 134, country of origin marking (eCFR).
Surety #: The insurance company that issues your customs bond and pays CBP if you don't. It can come after you for what it paid. Source: CBP, customs bonds.

T

Tariff engineering #: Designing or changing a product, before import, so it legally falls under an HTS line with a lower rate. It works only if the change is real, not cosmetic.
Tariff stacking #: Several duties applying to one product at once, such as the regular HTS rate plus Section 301 and Section 232 duties, each reported with its own Chapter 99 number. Some duties exclude others, so the order and the rules matter. Source: Alliance CHB, tariff drawback cheat sheet (July 2026).
Transaction value #: The main method for valuing imports: the price actually paid or payable for goods sold for export to the US, plus certain additions such as assists, royalties and packing. Source: 19 U.S.C. 1401a, value (Cornell LII).

U

Ultimate consignee #: The party in the US that receives the goods for its own use or resale. CBP also requires a Form 5106 on file for the ultimate consignee. Source: 19 CFR 24.5, filing identification number (Cornell LII).
Unliquidated entry #: An entry CBP has not yet liquidated. For IEEPA refunds, unliquidated entries and entries liquidated 80 days ago or less go straight through CAPE with no lawsuit. Source: CBP, IEEPA Duty Refunds (modified Nov. 2, 2026).
USMCA #: The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Goods that meet its rules of origin enter duty-free or at reduced rates, and were exempt from the IEEPA border tariffs from March 7, 2025. Source: CBP, USMCA; CBP, IEEPA FAQ (modified April 14, 2026).

Missing a term, or see one that's out of date? Send it with a source to editors@bestcustomsbrokers.com. For the bigger picture, start with our first-time importer guide or when to hire a tariff consultant.

Common questions

What is an importer of record?

The party legally responsible for an import: it files the entry, must use reasonable care, and pays the duties. It is the owner or purchaser of the goods, or a licensed broker it designates, and it is the only party CBP pays tariff refunds to.

What is liquidation in customs?

Liquidation is CBP's final computation of the duties on an entry, usually about 314 days after entry. It starts a 180-day window to protest, after which the entry is finally liquidated.

What is the difference between an entry and an entry summary?

The entry is the filing that gets goods released. The entry summary, CBP Form 7501, lists classification, value, origin and duties, and is generally due with estimated duties within 10 working days of release.

What is ISF 10+2?

The Importer Security Filing for ocean cargo: 10 data elements from the importer and 2 from the carrier. The importer's part is due 24 hours before the cargo is loaded at the foreign port, and violations can cost $5,000 each.

What is a continuous customs bond?

A bond that covers all your entries and ISF filings for a year. Its amount is the greater of $50,000 or 10% of the duties, taxes and fees you paid in the past 12 months.

What is CAPE?

CAPE is the tool in the ACE Portal that CBP uses to pay IEEPA tariff refunds. The importer of record or its filing broker uploads a CSV of entry numbers, and CBP generally pays 60 to 90 days after accepting it.

What is the difference between a protest and a post-summary correction?

A post-summary correction fixes an entry before liquidation, within 300 days of entry. A protest challenges CBP's decision after liquidation and must be filed within 180 days.

What is a customs power of attorney?

CBP Form 5291, which authorizes a licensed broker to act for you. Since December 2022 the broker must get it directly from you and verify your identity.

Customs glossary: US import terms explained

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Common questions

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