An in-bond lets goods move under customs bond from one U.S. port to another without paying duties at the first port. Eilan Trade Solutions creates, clears and cancels in-bonds for importers and exporters moving freight through Laredo, so cargo keeps moving while the paperwork stays right.
The three types of in-bond
- IT (Immediate Transportation): goods move from the port of arrival to another U.S. port, where they are entered for consumption or placed in a warehouse
- T&E (Transportation and Exportation): goods move through the United States to a port where they leave the country, for example freight passing through on its way to Mexico
- IE (Immediate Exportation): goods that arrive at a port and are exported from that same port
How an in-bond works
- The in-bond is created (filed) with CBP before the goods move
- The goods travel under bond to the destination port
- The in-bond is cleared when the goods arrive and the movement is completed
- If the movement changes or does not happen, the in-bond can be cancelled
The in-bond shipment process, step by step
- Choose the type. IT, T&E or IE, depending on where the goods will be entered or exported.
- File the in-bond application. It is sent to CBP electronically before the goods move, and it names the goods, the ports and the bonded carrier.
- Move the goods under bond. Once CBP authorizes the movement, the freight travels with a carrier that holds a custodial bond.
- Arrive within 30 days. CBP gives 30 days to reach the port of destination or export, for every mode except pipeline and barge.
- Report the arrival. The arrival is reported to CBP within 2 business days.
- Close the in-bond. The goods are entered, placed in a bonded warehouse or exported. For freight going to Mexico, the export at Laredo is where the Mexican pedimento takes over.
When shipping in bond makes sense
- A container arrives at the Port of Houston or another seaport and its buyer is in Mexico: it moves in bond to Laredo and is exported there, with no U.S. consumption entry. See containers from Houston to Mexico.
- The importer prefers to clear customs at an inland port near the buyer instead of at the port of arrival.
- The freight has to wait before anyone decides whether it will be entered or exported: it can rest in a bonded warehouse. See our Laredo warehouse services.
Mistakes that leave an in-bond open
- The arrival is not reported on time.
- The truck goes to a different port without permission. A diversion has to be requested from CBP, and approved, before the route changes.
- The quantity or the description does not match what was filed.
- The export is never recorded, so the in-bond stays open in the CBP system.
An in-bond that is not closed correctly can end in a claim against the bond that covers the movement. This is why we follow every in-bond until CBP shows it closed. Related: what a customs bond is.
Source: CBP in-bond regulations, 19 CFR Part 18. Checked October 2026.
How Eilan helps
- We create (file) in-bonds, clear them at destination, and cancel them when the movement changes
- Bonded warehouse space in Laredo, with our own team on site and 200,000 sq ft of warehouse capacity
- U.S. and Mexico customs brokers: the in-bond, the U.S. entry and the Mexican pedimento from one team
- Hazmat shipments handled
- A dedicated team on both sides of the border
See also: Hazmat, bonded warehouse and in-bond services in Laredo.
Frequently asked questions
What is an in-bond shipment?
An in-bond shipment moves under customs bond from the port of arrival to another U.S. port, so duties are not paid at the first port. Duties, if any, are handled when the goods are entered or exported at the destination.
What is the difference between T&E, IT and IE?
IT (Immediate Transportation) moves goods to another U.S. port for entry. T&E (Transportation and Exportation) moves goods through the United States to a port of export. IE (Immediate Exportation) covers goods exported from the port where they arrived.
Can Eilan create, clear and cancel an in-bond?
Yes. Eilan creates (files) in-bonds, clears them at destination, and cancels them when the movement changes.
Does Eilan have bonded warehouse space?
Yes. Eilan offers bonded warehouse space in Laredo, TX, with its own team on site.
Ready to move a shipment? Call +1 (956) 717-4150, email operations@eilantrade.com, or use our contact page.
Get a quote
Send us the shipment.
Send these details and you get a straight answer on what it takes, how long it takes and what it costs:
- Product description and HS code, or the commercial invoice
- Quantity, weight and packaging
- Origin and destination
- Direction: into Mexico, into the U.S., or in-bond
- Your dates, and any special handling
En español: qué es un in-bond
Un in-bond permite mover mercancía bajo fianza de un puerto de EE. UU. a otro sin pagar aranceles en el primer puerto. Existen tres tipos: IT (transporte inmediato), T&E (transporte y exportación) e IE (exportación inmediata). Eilan crea, libera y cancela in-bonds y ofrece almacén fiscal en Laredo. Llame al +1 (956) 717-4150 (EE. UU.) o al +52 (867) 187-0075 (México).
¿Prefiere atención en español? Solicite su cotización en español or call +1 (956) 717-4150 (EE. UU.) o al +52 (867) 187-0075 (México).
U.S.–Mexico trade updates
Rule changes, permit requirements and crossing conditions that affect your freight. Short, occasional, no sales pitch. · Actualizaciones de comercio EE. UU.–México: cambios de reglas, permisos y condiciones de cruce.