Entry Summary and Post Release Processes

What is Entry Summary?

"Entry Summary" refers to the documentation necessary to enable U.S. Customs and Border Protection to assess duties, collect statistics, and determine whether other requirements of law have been met.

1. Contact CBP

   Contact CBP at the port of entry to make the arrangement where the consignment will arrive, and documentation and duties will be filed.

2. Declare Entry

   Declare entry for goods once they arrive in the U.S. The importer must declare how the goods will be entered once they arrive.

3. File Cargo Release

   Upon entering the U.S., the importer of record has up to 15 days to file a Cargo Release for the goods. Entry documents must be filed within 15 calendar days of the date that a shipment arrives.

4. File Entry Summary

   An entry summary (CBP Form 7501) must be filed within 10 days of the cargo's release from CBP custody. An entry summary must be filed and estimated duties deposited within 10 working days after entry of the merchandise.

5. Pay Estimated Duties

   Within 10 days of the release of the cargo, the importer must pay the estimated duties on their imported goods. This is an estimated amount the importer pays at the time the goods arrive in the U.S.