Of the following choices, when may the Surety Code "999" appropriately be entered on an entry summary?
How to get there
ACE Entry Summary Instructions v2.4a: Surety CodeRecord the three digit numeric code that identifies the surety company on the Customs Bond. Use '999' as the surety code, when there is no bond or bond is waived by regulation. Bond type "9" should be used in conjunction with surety code "999" when bond is waived in accordance with 19 CFR 142.2(c). Use '998' as the surety code, when cash or government securities are deposited in lieu of surety.
Bond waived by regulation → 999: A.
Why the other choices are wrong
B) Cash deposit in place of a bond: that's code 998, not 999.
C) Single-transaction bond amount unknown: an STB still has a real surety with its own code. Not knowing the amount doesn't make it 999.
D) A continuous bond isn't applicable: then a single-transaction bond (with its surety's code), cash (998) or a waiver (999) applies, depending on the facts. "No continuous bond" alone doesn't mean 999.
Tip
998 = cash or government securities instead of a surety (bond type 8 or 9). 999 = no bond or bond waived (bond type 9 when waived under § 142.2(c)). The practical-exercise 7501 in this same exam used 998 with bond type 8 (Q18).
Source: CBP ACE Entry Summary Instructions, version 2.4a, "Surety Code" and "Bond Waiver Reason Code."
CBP answer key: Answer A · ACE Entry Summary Instructions, version 2.4a, page 3Source: CBP past exams ↗