How does Customs process so many goods without delay?

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol processes hundreds of thousands of shipments entering the country every single day. Typically goods are granted entry almost immediately, allowing commerce to flow at the fast pace demanded by today’s global economy.  How can this government agency handle such a massive volume of goods and their accompanying paperwork?

One aspect of Customs’ solution is the requirement that importers purchase a Customs Surety Bond for each shipment they bring into the United States. A customs bond is a guarantee issued jointly by a licensed surety company (typically large insurance companies and other financial institutions) and the importer to pay all customs duties and fees as well as to comply with all applicable regulations.  With that guarantee of payment in hand, Customs can release the actual merchandise to the importer before all documents and information have been provided.  That means goods can flow into the commerce of the United States without delay, while giving Customs more time to ensure compliance and investigate potential violations.