Skip to content
Tariffi
Entry Types

What is Entry?

The formal process of declaring imported goods to CBP, triggering duty assessment and release. In the context of U.S. customs and tariff recovery, understanding entry is essential for navigating the CAPE refund process and ensuring accurate duty assessment.

Definition

In customs parlance, an 'entry' is the formal process of declaring imported merchandise to CBP, which triggers the assessment of duties, taxes, and fees and enables the release of goods from CBP custody. The entry process involves submitting entry documentation (commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, and the entry summary/Form 7501), paying estimated duties, and obtaining CBP release. There are several entry types: consumption entry (goods for domestic use), warehouse entry (goods for bonded storage), temporary importation under bond, and foreign trade zone admission. Each entry receives a unique entry number that tracks it through CBP's systems.

How Entry Relates to Tariff Refunds

The entry number is the fundamental unit of a CAPE refund claim. Each entry in your ES-003 data represents an import transaction that may be eligible for refund. Tariffi identifies qualifying entries by analyzing the entry date, HTS codes, duty amounts, and tariff program indicators to build the CAPE declaration CSV.

Example

Entry number 123-4567890-1 was filed on March 15, 2025 for a shipment of Chinese consumer electronics. CBP assessed $45,000 in Section 301 duties. This entry is later included in a CAPE declaration when the Section 301 rate is reduced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an entry number?
A unique identifier assigned to each customs entry filing, formatted as a 3-digit filer code + 7-digit sequence number + 1 check digit. It tracks the entry through all CBP systems.
When must an entry be filed?
Within 15 calendar days of the cargo's arrival at the port. The entry summary (Form 7501) must follow within 10 business days of cargo release.

Related Terms

Consumption EntryThe most common type of customs entry, filed when goods enter the U.S. for domestic use.Warehouse EntryA customs entry filed when imported goods are placed into a bonded warehouse, deferring duty payment until withdrawal.Formal EntryA customs entry required for commercial shipments valued over the de minimis threshold, requiring full documentation.Informal EntryA simplified customs entry for low-value commercial shipments or personal goods below specified thresholds.Entry SummaryCBP Form 7501 — the document that declares the value, classification, and duty owed on imported goods.CBPU.S. Customs and Border Protection — the federal agency that regulates imports, collects duties, and enforces trade laws.

Legal References

  • 19 U.S.C. § 1484 — Entry of Merchandise
  • 19 CFR Part 141 — Entry of Merchandise

Ready to recover your tariff overpayments?

Upload your ES-003 and see how much you could recover — no advance fees, no commitment.

Start your claim

Questions? support@tariffi.io