CBP Form 3499 is the Application and Approval to Manipulate, Examine, Sample, or Transfer Goods. Importers and owners use it to get the port director's approval before cleaning, sorting, repacking, sampling or transferring merchandise held in a bonded warehouse.
What Is CBP Form 3499?
CBP Form 3499 lets importers, consignees, transferees or owners request permission to manipulate, examine, sample or transfer merchandise under CBP supervision, most often in a customs bonded warehouse. It is provided for by 19 CFR 19.8 and 19.11, and the current version is dated 07/25.
Who Uses CBP Form 3499?
- Importers, consignees, transferees or owners of merchandise in bonded warehouses
- Bonded warehouse proprietors managing manipulation under permit
Key Rules at a Glance
| Topic | What applies |
|---|---|
| Approval | Subject to approval by the port director |
| What counts as manipulation | Cleaning, sorting, repacking or similar changes without manufacturing |
| Prior permit | Warehouse proprietors may not allow manipulation without a prior permit from the port director (19 CFR 19.11) |
| Blanket approvals | Up to one year for continuous or repetitive manipulation, with a running record of each manipulation |
| Manufacturing | Manufacturing in a bonded warehouse is allowed only in class 6 warehouses |
How to File Form 3499
- Describe the planned manipulation, examination, sampling or transfer in enough detail for CBP to review.
- Submit Form 3499 to the port director.
- Wait for approval before starting any work on the goods.
- For repetitive work, request a blanket approval and keep a running record of each manipulation.
Related CBP Forms and Official Sources
Related forms: CBP Form 6043 (delivery ticket) · CBP Form 7512 (in-bond transportation entry) · CBP Form 3461 (entry and release)
Official sources:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBP Form 3499 used for?
To get the port director's approval before manipulating, examining, sampling or transferring merchandise under CBP supervision, usually in a bonded warehouse.
Can I get approval for repeated manipulation?
Yes. The port director may approve a blanket application for up to one year for continuous or repetitive manipulation, with a running record kept.
Can I manufacture goods under Form 3499?
No. Manipulation means cleaning, sorting, repacking and similar steps without manufacturing. Manufacturing is allowed only in class 6 bonded warehouses.
