An Instrument of International Traffic bond, or Activity 3A, is used to cover the movements and clearances of containers which move internationally. Without this provision, each container moved into the United States would have to be entered as a standard consumption entry and duty would be due to Customs on the container. Containers commonly used in intermodal freight (that is, freight that is moved using various modes of transportation, such as ship, truck, rail) fall into this category. Other “instruments of international traffic” may include shipping pallets, containers for specialized products like chemicals and liquids, or even empty containers returned to the U.S. after being used to deliver goods. The minimum bond amount usually requested by Customs is $20,000.
