Document chain

Choosing between a continuous bond and a single-entry bond

customs bond selection is decided on paper long before the container reaches a port. These are the documents that actually carry the decision.

The base document: volume-driven choice

A continuous bond covers all entries for an importer over a period, while a single-entry bond is bought for one shipment and one declared value.

We keep the original and the declared version side by side, so a discrepancy is visible before filing.

The supporting records: bond amount basis

The decision is usually volume-driven, but a high-value or high-duty consignment can justify a single-entry bond even for a regular importer.

Missing or inconsistent values here are the single most common reason a declaration is queried.

What the destination needs: lapse at peak season

Check the bond amount against the duty, tax and fee exposure rather than against the commercial invoice value alone.

The destination broker works from the same pack we filed from, which shortens any query cycle.

The failure point we see most often: Letting a continuous bond lapse during peak season and discovering it only when the first entry is rejected.

Have these ready before filing:

Commercial invoice and packing list with matching values and descriptions.
Classification, origin and any licence references used in the declaration.
Booking reference, transport document and the consignee’s broker contact.

Questions importers ask us

Who is responsible for getting this right on a China-origin shipment?

The shipper supplies accurate product and value data; Hovmar Logistics checks the file before submission and coordinates with the destination broker. We confirm the split in writing at booking.

Can Hovmar review this before the cargo leaves Shenzhen?

Yes. Send the commercial invoice, packing list and intended classification before cutoff and our customs desk will flag gaps while they are still easy to fix.

Where this fits in your shipment

Planning a shipment from Shenzhen?

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Notes from the Hovmar Logistics customs desk in Shenzhen. Confirm current requirements with your licensed broker before filing.