Entry Summary

An entry summary (CBP Form 7501) is the comprehensive customs document that provides final details about an import shipment, including tariff classification, country of origin, value, and duty calculations. It’s filed after cargo release and forms the basis for duty assessment.

Entry Summary Purpose

Why It’s Important

• Finalizes entry information
• Calculates duties and fees
• Triggers duty payment
• Basis for liquidation
• Legal record of import

Relationship to Other Entries

Step 1: Entry (CBP Form 3461)
        → Releases cargo

Step 2: Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501)
        → Finalizes details
        → Pays duties

Step 3: Liquidation
        → CBP confirms/adjusts

Entry Summary Requirements

When Required

• All formal entries
• Value $2,500 or higher
• Quota merchandise
• AD/CVD goods
• Commercial imports

Filing Deadline

• 10 working days from entry
• Extensions possible (request before deadline)
• Penalties for late filing

CBP Form 7501 Contents

Header Information

• Entry number
• Entry date
• Port code
• Importer of record
• Consignee
• Manufacturer ID

Line Item Details

• Description of merchandise
• HS tariff number
• Country of origin
• Entered value
• Charges
• Duty rate
• Duty amount

Summary Section

• Total entered value
• Total duty
• Merchandise processing fee
• Harbor maintenance fee
• Other fees
• Total payment due

Entry Summary Example

CBP FORM 7501 - ENTRY SUMMARY
═════════════════════════════════════════════
Entry Number: 123-1234567-8
Entry Date: 02/01/2026
Port: 2704 (Los Angeles)
Importer: ABC Importing Co.
────────────────────────────────────────────
Line 1:
Description: Electronic Components
HS Number: 8542.31.0000
Origin: China
Value: $50,000
Duty Rate: 0%
Duty: $0.00

Line 2:
Description: Plastic Cases
HS Number: 3926.90.9990
Origin: China
Value: $10,000
Duty Rate: 5.3%
Duty: $530.00
────────────────────────────────────────────
Total Entered Value: $60,000
Total Duty: $530.00
MPF (0.3464%): $207.84
HMF (0.125%): $75.00
Total Due: $812.84
═════════════════════════════════════════════

Filing Methods

Electronic Filing

• ACE (Automated Commercial Environment)
• Required for most entries
• Broker or self-filed
• Real-time processing

Paper Filing

• Limited circumstances
• Manual processing
• Longer timeframes
• Being phased out

Duty Payment

Payment Timing

Payment Methods

• ACH debit
• ACH credit
• Cash (limited)
• Surety bond (AD/CVD deposits)

Entry Summary Accuracy

Critical Data Elements

1. HS Classification - Determines duty rate
2. Value - Basis for duty calculation
3. Country of Origin - Affects rates, quotas
4. Quantity - For specific duties
5. Manufacturer - Traceability

Consequences of Errors

• Wrong duty payment
• Liquidation adjustments
• Penalties for negligence
• Audit issues
• Possible fraud charges

Post-Summary Corrections

Post Summary Correction (PSC)

• Voluntary correction after filing
• Before liquidation
• No penalty if proper disclosure
• Electronic submission

Post Entry Amendment (PEA)

• Correction after liquidation
• Within 180 days of liquidation
• May result in refund or additional payment
• Supporting documentation required

Prior Disclosure

• Voluntary disclosure of violation
• Reduced penalties
• Must be before CBP discovers issue
• Legal strategy for compliance errors

Entry Summary Statistics

What CBP Tracks

• Number of entries
• Duty collected
• Entry types
• Countries of origin
• Classification patterns
• Importer compliance

Importer Records

• Keep for 5 years minimum
• Available for audit
• Support classification decisions
• Document values

Working with Entry Summaries

Best Practices

1. Verify all data before filing
2. Ensure classification accuracy
3. Document value calculations
4. Keep supporting records
5. File on time
6. Monitor for liquidation
7. Address discrepancies promptly

Common Mistakes

• Wrong HS classification
• Undervaluation
• Missing related party information
• Country of origin errors
• Math errors in calculation