CBP Form 4647 is a "Notice to Mark and/or Notice to Redeliver" from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It means CBP found that goods already released to you are not properly marked with their country of origin, or must be returned. You generally have 30 days to mark the goods under CBP supervision or redeliver them. Missing the deadline can trigger liquidated damages equal to the goods' entered value.
What Is CBP Form 4647?
Most imported goods, or their containers, must be marked with their country of origin in English, legibly and permanently, so the ultimate purchaser knows where they were made. When CBP finds released goods that don't meet these rules, it issues Form 4647 under 19 CFR Part 134.
The notice tells you to do one of two things:
- Mark the goods properly, under CBP supervision, or
- Redeliver all the released goods to CBP custody for marking, export or destruction.
CBP can also use the same form to demand redelivery of goods found not admissible after release.
Deadlines and Penalties
| What | Rule |
|---|---|
| Mark or redeliver the goods | Within 30 days of the notice (more time only if CBP grants it for good cause): 19 CFR 134.54 |
| If you miss it | CBP demands liquidated damages under the bond equal to the entered value of the goods not marked or redelivered |
| Marking duty | An additional 10% ad valorem duty can apply to goods not properly marked at importation unless marked, exported or destroyed under CBP supervision before liquidation: 19 U.S.C. 1304(i) |
| Relief | You can petition for relief from liquidated damages, generally after depositing the marking duty |
What to Do When You Receive Form 4647
- Read the notice carefully: which entry, which goods and what CBP says is wrong.
- Locate the goods immediately. If any have been sold or shipped, tell your broker. Redelivery covers all released goods.
- Decide: mark or redeliver. Contact the CBP port office named on the notice to arrange supervised marking or redelivery.
- Mark correctly: the origin country in English, conspicuous and as permanent as the item allows.
- Keep proof of marking or redelivery and send it to CBP within the 30 days.
- Fix the root cause with your supplier so future shipments arrive marked.
How to Prevent a Notice to Mark
- Put marking requirements in every purchase order and supplier agreement.
- Check samples before shipment, including retail packaging if the item itself can't be marked.
- Make sure the marking matches the origin declared on your entry and commercial invoice.
- Watch for origin changes when production moves between countries.
Related CBP Forms
- CBP Form 28 and 29 — requests for information and notices of action
- CBP Form 19 — protesting a CBP decision
- CBP Form 3461 — getting goods released
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBP Form 4647?
CBP Form 4647 is a Notice to Mark and/or Notice to Redeliver. CBP issues it after release when imported goods are not properly marked with their country of origin, or must be returned to CBP custody.
How long do I have to respond to a Notice to Mark?
Under 19 CFR 134.54, you generally have 30 days from the date of the notice to properly mark the goods or redeliver them to CBP custody, unless CBP allows more time for good cause.
What happens if I ignore CBP Form 4647?
CBP can demand liquidated damages under your customs bond equal to the entered value of the goods that were not properly marked or redelivered.
What is the marking duty?
Under 19 U.S.C. 1304(i), goods that are not properly marked at importation can be assessed an additional 10% ad valorem marking duty unless they are marked, exported or destroyed under CBP supervision before liquidation.
Can I get relief from liquidated damages?
Importers can petition for relief from liquidated damages. Per CBP rulings, relief generally requires depositing the required marking duty first, and the marking duty itself is not relieved.
