CBP Form 3171 – Fill Out and Use This PDF

CBP Form 3171 PDF Details

CBP Form 3171 is the official Application, Permit, and Special License for Unlading, Lading, and Overtime Services published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a bureau of the Department of Homeland Security. Carriers, shipping agents, and vessel operators use this document to request authorization for a wide range of CBP-supervised cargo operations at U.S. ports of entry.

Who must file CBP Form 3171? The master or authorized agent of any vessel, aircraft, truck, or rail vehicle must submit this application when requesting CBP services that fall outside normal operations. These services include the unlading or lading of merchandise, supervising the discharge of ballast, authorizing the landing of in-bond merchandise, handling ship supplies subject to duty-free or duty-paid entry, and requesting overtime services from CBP officers. A term permit request allows carriers to conduct recurring operations under a single application rather than filing a separate request each time.

Key sections of the form include: the vessel or aircraft identification block (name, port of registry, flag, and owner information), itinerary and schedule details, type of cargo being handled (container, break bulk, or bulk), carrier information with SCAC and AMS filing codes, CBP Paperless certification fields, bond details (bond number, surety company, bond amount and date), importer number, and the agent name and address for billing. The application section asks operators to specify which services they are requesting and the basis for each request under applicable statutes. For related customs documents, see the CBP Form 6059B and CBP Form 1302.

CBP Form 3171 must be filed in duplicate at the port where the application is made. For term permit requests, additional copies may be required. The form is not valid until countersigned by an authorized CBP officer. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may result in delays or denial of services. Carriers managing regular cargo operations should also familiarize themselves with the Cargo Manifest Form and the Customs Form 3499. For a full overview of CBP documentation requirements, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection forms section.