CBP Form 3461 (Entry/Immediate Delivery) is the form importers use to get their goods released from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It is usually filed electronically in CBP's ACE system as a "cargo release" by a customs broker, generally within 15 calendar days of arrival. The entry summary (CBP Form 7501) and estimated duties then follow within 10 working days of release.
What Is CBP Form 3461?
CBP Form 3461 is titled Entry/Immediate Delivery. It is the entry document that asks CBP to release merchandise into the United States. Under 19 CFR Part 142, it is one of the documents that make up an entry, alongside evidence of the right to make entry, the commercial invoice and packing lists.
In practice, very few importers ever see a paper 3461. Your customs broker transmits the same data electronically through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), where it is called a cargo release. The blank form is still available on CBP's official forms page.
Form 3461 vs Form 7501
| CBP Form 3461 | CBP Form 7501 | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Entry/Immediate Delivery | Entry Summary |
| Purpose | Release of the goods | Final classification, value and duties |
| Typical timing | Within 15 calendar days of arrival (often before arrival) | Within 10 working days after release |
| Duties paid | No | Estimated duties deposited |
| Filed by | Importer of record or customs broker | Importer of record or customs broker |
Read our guide to CBP Form 7501 for the second step.
What Information Form 3461 Contains
- Importer of record and consignee details, including the importer of record number
- Entry type and port of entry
- Carrier, voyage or flight, and bill of lading or air waybill number
- Description of the goods, HTS classification, country of origin, quantity and value
- Bond information
Key Deadlines
| Step | Deadline | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| File entry (cargo release / Form 3461) | Within 15 calendar days of arrival | 19 CFR 142.2 |
| File entry summary (Form 7501) + deposit estimated duties | Within 10 working days after release | 19 CFR 142.12 |
| Goods not entered in time | May be moved to a general order warehouse at the importer's cost | General order rules |
What Is Immediate Delivery?
Immediate delivery lets certain goods be released before the full entry is filed. It is limited to the categories listed in 19 CFR 142.21, such as merchandise arriving from Canada or Mexico, fresh fruits and vegetables for human consumption, and some quota merchandise. CBP also issues a year-end authorization for immediate delivery in some years. Your broker can tell you whether your goods qualify.
How to File Form 3461: Step by Step
- Get your importer number and bond in place. Most first-time importers file CBP Form 5106 to get an importer number and arrange a customs bond for formal entries.
- Collect documents early: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and any certificates or permits.
- Confirm the HTS code and value, because they drive duties and admissibility checks.
- Have your broker file the cargo release in ACE, ideally before arrival so release isn't delayed.
- Track release status and respond quickly to any CBP holds or exams.
- File the entry summary (Form 7501) and deposit estimated duties within 10 working days of release.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until arrival to file, which risks storage charges and missed deadlines.
- Using a different value or description than the commercial invoice.
- Not having a bond in place for a formal entry.
- Confusing release with clearance: duties and the entry summary are still due after release.
Release Is Fast. Duty Bills Aren't Optional.
Once goods are released, estimated duties are due with the entry summary within days, often before you have sold anything. See how duties fit into the full US customs clearance process.
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All CBP Forms: Quick Directory
Every CBP form guide on our site, grouped by what you're doing:
- Importing and entry: CBP Form 5106 importer number · CBP Form 3461 entry/immediate delivery (this page) · CBP Form 7501 entry summary · CBP Form 301 customs bond · CBP Form 5291 power of attorney · CBP Form 4811 special address notification · CBP Form 400 ACH debit application · CBP Form 7523 duty-free entry and manifest
- Notices, detentions and disputes: CBP Form 28 and 29 information requests / notice of action · CBP Form 4647 notice to mark or redeliver · CBP Form 6051D detention notice · CBP Form 5955A penalty / liquidated damages notice · CBP Form 19 protest
- In-bond moves, warehouses and FTZs: CBP Form 7512 transportation entry · CBP Form 6043 delivery ticket · CBP Form 3499 manipulate, sample or transfer goods · CBP Form 3078 identification card
- Exports, returns and drawback: CBP Form 3311 returned American goods · CBP Form 4455 certificate of registration · CBP Form 3495 export under special bond · CBP Form 7553 drawback notice of intent
- Carriers and conveyances: CBP Form 1300 vessel entrance or clearance · CBP Form 7507 aircraft general declaration · CBP Form 7533 inward cargo manifest
- Travelers: CBP Form 6059B customs declaration · CBP Form 4457 personal effects registration · CBP Form 3299 unaccompanied articles · CBP I-94 arrival/departure record
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBP Form 3461?
CBP Form 3461, Entry/Immediate Delivery, is the document used to request release of imported goods from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Today it is almost always filed electronically in ACE as a cargo release, usually by a licensed customs broker.
When must Form 3461 be filed?
Entry documentation, including the CBP Form 3461 data, must generally be filed within 15 calendar days after the goods arrive at the U.S. port of entry. Goods not entered in time can be sent to a general order warehouse at the importer's expense.
What is the difference between CBP Form 3461 and Form 7501?
Form 3461 gets the goods released. Form 7501, the entry summary, reports the final classification, value and duties and is generally due within 10 working days after release, with estimated duties deposited.
Can I file Form 3461 before my goods arrive?
Yes. Brokers routinely file the cargo release before arrival so goods can be released when they land. Immediate delivery before formal entry is limited to the categories listed in 19 CFR 142.21.
Do I need a customs bond for Form 3461?
Formal entries, generally shipments valued over $2,500, require a customs bond, either a single-transaction bond or a continuous bond, before CBP releases the goods.
