CBP Form 5955A is the Notice of Penalty or Liquidated Damages Incurred and Demand for Payment. It tells a bond principal that CBP has a claim against them. You generally have 60 days from the date the notice was mailed to pay or to petition for relief.
What Is CBP Form 5955A?
CBP Form 5955A notifies the principal on a customs bond that a penalty or liquidated damages claim has been incurred, and demands payment. Liquidated damages often follow a missed obligation, such as not redelivering goods after a notice to mark or redeliver. The rules are in 19 CFR Part 172 and Part 171.
Who Uses CBP Form 5955A?
- Importers and other bond principals who receive a claim
- Sureties on the bond, if the principal doesn't pay or petition
Key Rules at a Glance
| Topic | What applies |
|---|---|
| Petition deadline | Within 60 days from the date the notice was mailed to the principal (19 CFR 172.3; penalties under 171.2) |
| Where to petition | The Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures office named in the notice |
| Surety | If the principal doesn't act, CBP demands payment from the surety, which has 60 days to petition (19 CFR 172.4) |
| Pay instead | The notice may offer a set amount to pay within 60 days to close the case; paying generally waives the right to petition |
| Late petitions | Extensions may be granted, but CBP won't accept a petition filed more than 180 days after the notice was mailed (with limited exceptions) |
| Short limitation periods | If fewer than 180 days remain on the statute of limitations, CBP may set a shorter period, but not less than 7 working days |
What to Do When You Receive Form 5955A
- Note the mailing date and the 60-day deadline.
- Review the violation and gather evidence of what happened.
- Decide whether to pay the offered amount or petition for relief, and request an extension early if needed.
- File the petition with the FP&F office named in the notice.
Related CBP Forms and Official Sources
Related forms: CBP Form 4647 (notice to mark/redeliver) · CBP Form 301 (customs bond) · CBP Form 19 (protest)
Official sources:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBP Form 5955A?
It is the Notice of Penalty or Liquidated Damages Incurred and Demand for Payment, sent to a bond principal when CBP has a claim.
How long do I have to respond to Form 5955A?
Generally 60 days from the date the notice was mailed to petition for relief or pay.
What happens if I ignore it?
CBP will demand payment from the surety on your bond, which then has 60 days to petition. Ignoring it can also affect your bond and future imports.
Can I get more time?
Extensions may be granted when circumstances warrant, but petitions filed more than 180 days after the notice was mailed generally aren't accepted.
