CBP Form 28 – Fill Out and Submit the Request for Information

Cbp Form 28 PDF Details

CBP Form 28, formally known as the Request for Information (CF-28), is an official document issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection under the Department of Homeland Security. Grounded in 19 CFR 151.11, the CF-28 allows CBP officers to request additional documentation from importers when entry data requires further verification for proper classification, appraisement, or import compliance review.

CBP typically issues the CF-28 during entry review, post-summary review, or as part of a focused trade assessment. The request addresses concerns about declared value, country of origin, applicable duty rates, tariff classification under the HTSUS, or product description. Each CF-28 identifies the specific entry number, port of entry, and the exact information or documentation required from the importer.

Importers responding to a CBP Form 28 generally submit purchase orders, commercial invoices, packing lists, freight bills, and any agreements covering royalties, assists, or commissions. The document may also require a breakdown of product components and materials, certificates of origin, and details about the buyer-seller relationship that may affect the declared transaction value.

A timely response is critical for maintaining import compliance. Importers generally have 30 days to reply to a Request for Information, though extensions may be requested. A complete and well-documented submission helps avoid additional duty assessments or formal enforcement action. If CBP determines changes to the entry are warranted after reviewing submitted documentation, it may issue a Notice of Action (CBP Form 29) to the importer.

Importers and customs brokers dealing with repeated customs inquiries should maintain organized records of all shipment documentation to improve response efficiency. Keeping accurate product descriptions, proper tariff classifications, and current certificates of origin reduces the likelihood of receiving future CF-28 requests and helps ensure smooth trade operations.