Temporary Importation under Bond for US Trade Shows

Key Takeaways

A temporary importation under bond, informally known as a temporary import bond (TIB), is an agreement between an importer and the US government
A temporary import bond lets you bring goods in without duty, as long as they are exported again or destroyed
Goods can remain in the US for up to one year, with possible TIB extension
Imported items must qualify under specific Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) subheadings and cannot be sold or given away
To prove export, provide acceptable documents including Customs Form 3495 and a certified Bill of Lading
Incomplete documentation, incorrect valuations, and failure to follow CBP regulations can lead to penalties

Bonds are an effective way to temporarily bring items into a country without paying customs charges upon entry or return. This makes them a smart choice for businesses and individuals looking to manage costs while importing goods.

If you are importing to the USA for a tradeshow or exhibition, read this article to find out a TIB meaning, what customs regulations you should follow, and how to use a temporary import bond for trade shows.

Atlantic Project Cargo is always here to help if you need assistance in importing to the USA and Canada. Our team of professionals provides high-quality import and export services, including customs brokerage and customs clearance.

get a quote (305) 224 1975

What is a TIB?

A temporary importation under bond, informally known as a temporary import bond (TIB), is an agreement between an importer and the US government. It allows you to bring goods into the country without paying duties or fees, including the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF).

With a TIB, you post a bond guaranteeing that the imported items will be returned or destroyed within a set timeframe. The goods must not permanently enter the American market.

A TIB cost is double the value of the goods you bring in. For example, if you import items worth $2,000, your temporary bond will be $4,000.

If the importer follows the agreement, they will receive their deposit back once the TIB process is complete. However, this can take several months. If they do not comply, they must pay liquidated damages, which are double the duty owed on the imported goods.

Shipments That Can be Imported Temporarily

A temporary import bond serves various purposes. Here are some common scenarios where it can be used:

Trade shows
Conventions
Training sessions
Assembly work
Processing activities
Re-export after resale
Repair or replacement of damaged goods

To qualify for TIB entry, goods must be listed under subheadings 9813.00.05 to 9813.00.75 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). You can find the full list here.

How Long Can Goods Stay?

Goods imported under a TIB can remain in the US for up to one year without customs charges. You must export them before the expiration date to avoid penalties.

TIB extension is possible but requires approval from US Customs. Typically, TIB shipment can be extended for up to three years, with some exceptions:

Autos and parts for shows (shipments under 9813.00.75) cannot exceed six months, and extensions are not allowed
Tools of trade (shipments under 9813.00.50) if seized by Customs for reasons other than by suit of private persons have the requirement of exportation suspended during the period of seizure

Proof of Export

To avoid liquidated damages, the importer must provide proof of export to US Customs. Acceptable documents include:

Customs Form 3495: Application for Exportation of Articles Under Special Bond
Certified copy of the entry for importation (Canadian B3)
Certified copy of the Bill of Lading

If the goods are destroyed under Customs supervision, you may also obtain relief from liability. However, the items must have no commercial value to be considered ‘destroyed.’

Temporary Import Bond vs Carnet

A TIB/Carnet allows goods to be imported temporarily without paying duties and taxes, but they serve different purposes and have distinct advantages.

A TIB means a financial guarantee required when bringing goods into a country for a limited time. It ensures that the importer will pay duties and taxes if the goods are not re-exported within the allowed period. A TIB is valid for only one country and is issued by a customs broker or surety company.

An ATA Carnet is an internationally recognized document that simplifies temporary import across multiple countries. It is issued by a Chamber of Commerce and is valid for up to a one-year period. A Carnet allows multiple entries and exits without additional bonds or customs declarations.

Here’s a quick comparison to make things clearer:

In short, if you only need to import goods into the US temporarily, a TIB is the better option. If you plan to travel with goods across multiple countries, an ATA Carnet will save time and effort.

Common Mistakes with Temporary Import Bonds

When dealing with temporary import bonds, it is easy to make mistakes. Here are some of the most common pitfalls you should be aware of:

Import documentation fails to specify that goods are being imported temporarily
Documents do not clearly show that temporarily imported goods have been destroyed or re-exported
Goods are valued incorrectly
Regulations from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Partner Government Agencies (PGA) are not followed

To avoid these issues, hire a professional customs broker. They can guide you through the entry procedures and ensure you comply with all requirements.

Calculate Import Duty in a Matter of Minutes!

calculate import duty (305) 224 1975

Using a TIB for a Trade Show

If you plan to showcase your products at a US trade show, consider a temporary import under bond. Using this strategy is wise because trade shows focus mostly on promotion rather than direct sales. In case you do not sell anything, you are allowed for duty-free import of goods.

Your booth setup is a crucial part of your display. It may include furniture, banners, decorations, additional lighting, office equipment, computers, or tablets — all of which can be temporarily imported under a TIB. If you are bringing display-only products, such as machinery or clothing, those should also be covered by a TIB.

However, items that will be given away, such as brochures, hats, stationery, or product samples, cannot be included in a temporary import bond. Since they are considered part of the US economy, they require a separate consumption entry bond.

If you are importing food, alcohol, or other consumable samples, you may also need a license or permit from the relevant agency.

Tips for Importing Trade Show Products

Atlantic Project Cargo worker near the heavy cargo

To ensure smooth temporary import procedures, follow these recommendations:

Organize your imports
Create a detailed list of everything you are bringing. Separate items that will be given away (samples, flyers) from those that will be returned (booth materials, display products). This will help you determine which items need a TIB and which require a consumption entry bond.
Check import regulations
Ensure that everything you bring is eligible for import and that you have the necessary licenses or permits if required.
Source locally when possible
Avoid unnecessary imports. Items like water bottles, snacks, and cleaning products can often be purchased at your destination. For example, simple cleaning supplies like sanitizer or glass cleaner require Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) clearance, which could slow down your shipment
Ensure proper packaging
US Customs has strict rules on packaging and labeling. Make sure your imports comply with the rules to avoid any issues at the border
Mark items not for sale
Anything imported under a TIB should not be sold or given away. Label these items clearly. If not properly marked, a CBP officer may label them in a way that could render them unusable

By planning and following these tips, you can ensure a hassle-free trade show experience while avoiding unexpected costs and delays.

Conclusion

A TIB bond is a valuable tool for businesses and individuals looking to import goods into the US for trade shows and exhibitions without paying duties. By understanding the regulations, ensuring proper documentation, and following recommendations, you can make the temporary import process easier and avoid costly mistakes.

The Atlantic Project Cargo team has great experience in handling everything that goes into importing and exporting, especially for trade shows. If you have more questions, do not hesitate to contact us today.