Customs moved to the eBond process in January 2015 to allow the bond information to be electronically filed with Customs. There have been a number of positive changes based on the eBond process, such as the speed in which a new bond can be filed and the reduction in paperwork that must be completed. Thanks to eBond, there is no longer a need to complete and file a paper 301 bond form with Customs. Now when we file a bond electronically we will supply your office with a Bond Summary form, which outlines all the information for the bond, including the Customs bond number. This bond number is the verification supplied by Customs confirming the bond is on file.
As with most substantial changes, there have been a few bumps in the road with the removal of the 301 bond form. The most frequent issue we experience is the confusion by a few Customs employees at the local Customs offices. Since these local Customs offices were previously provided with a copy of the 301 bond form there have been many instances where the local office will still make a requirement for the bond form in order to allow the principal to operate. However, since the 301 bond form is no longer necessary, most of these issues can be resolved with a telephone call from our office to the local Customs office. Therefore if your client begins to have an issue with a Customs officer requiring a copy of the 301 bond form, please provide our office with the contact information for that individual so we may resolve the issue.