Ace the 2026 CBP Border Patrol Agent Exam – Patrol Your Way to Success!

The Entry Summary is a crucial document in the import process, which consolidates all necessary information regarding the goods being imported and is used for calculating duties and taxes. Submitting the Entry Summary occurs after the goods have been released. This stage is vital because by this time, the goods have passed inspection and any necessary clearances, allowing the customs authorities to evaluate the final details of the shipment within the context of compliance with regulations and proper duty assessment.

At this point, submitting the Entry Summary ensures that all information, including the value of the goods, classification codes, and duty rates, is accurate and complete, allowing for the calculation of duties owed. This process reflects the formalization of the import transaction and is critical for compliance with customs regulations. Submitting it before the goods are released would not be feasible, as the actual evaluation of the goods must first occur to provide accurate data required in the Entry Summary.