CF-28 Explained: Why Customs Contacts You After Clearance

Your broker says "cleared customs." You move on. But three months later, a letter arrives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection: CBP Form 28, Request for Information.

This guide explains what a CF-28 is, why CBP sends it after your cargo has already been released, and how to handle it — or avoid it altogether.

What is a CF-28 (Request for Information)?

A CF-28 is a formal written request from U.S. Customs and Border Protection asking for additional documentation or clarification about an import entry. It is authorized under 19 CFR 151.11 and is one of CBP's primary tools for post-entry review.

According to the Federal Register (2025), CBP issues approximately 13,415 CF-28s per year. Each one targets a specific entry where CBP found information that was incomplete, unclear, or inconsistent.

A CF-28 is not a penalty. It's a question. But how you respond — or don't respond — determines what happens next.

Why does CBP send a CF-28 after customs clearance?

CBP processes over 2.8 million entry summaries per month, according to CBP's November 2024 Monthly Update. They cannot review every entry at the time of arrival. So they operate on a release-first, review-later system.

Your cargo gets released based on the information filed by your broker. But CBP continues reviewing entries after the fact. If something raises a flag during that review, they send a CF-28.

According to Rogers & Brown Custom Brokers and Torres Trade Law, the most common triggers include:

• HS code classification — the tariff code doesn't match the product description or comparable rulings

• Customs valuation — the declared value seems too low, or related-party pricing raises questions

• Country of origin — especially for products subject to Section 301, Section 232, or AD/CVD orders

• Free trade agreement claims — missing or insufficient documentation to support preferential tariff treatment

• Intellectual property concerns — trademarks or brand names that require verification

In short, "cleared customs" means your cargo was released. It does not mean CBP finished reviewing your entry.

How long do you have to respond to a CF-28?

You have 30 days from the date of the request to respond in writing. The deadline is printed on the form itself, in Box #1. According to CBP's official guidelines, the response must include all requested documents, and it must be signed by an authorized company official.

If you cannot meet the 30-day deadline, you can request an extension — but you must contact the CBP officer listed on the form and explain why. According to Torres Trade Law, extensions are sometimes granted for complex cases like free trade agreement validations that require coordination with foreign suppliers.

Key points about the response process:

• Answer only what is asked — be thorough but not overly expansive

• All documents must relate to the specific shipment identified on the form

• The signer can be held liable for the accuracy of the information provided

• Foreign-language documents may need translation

What happens if you ignore a CF-28?

If CBP does not receive a response within 30 days, they make a determination based on whatever information they already have. According to Trade Risk Guaranty, this typically means the least favorable interpretation for the importer.

The next step is a CF-29: Notice of Action. This is not a request — it's a decision. Common outcomes include:

• Rate advance — your goods are reclassified under a higher-duty HS code

• AD/CVD assessment — antidumping or countervailing duties are applied

• Country of origin change — which can trigger additional tariffs under Section 301 or 232

• Penalties — civil penalties for negligence or misrepresentation

According to Torres Trade Law, a CF-28 can also signal the beginning of a broader investigation. If CBP identifies a pattern of errors across multiple entries, past shipments may come under review as well. In AD/CVD cases, this can escalate into an Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) investigation.

Once a CF-29 is issued and the entry is liquidated, the only recourse is filing a formal protest within 180 days under Section 514 of the Tariff Act of 1930.

How do you avoid getting a CF-28?

The best way to handle a CF-28 is to never receive one. That starts with getting your entry documentation right the first time.

According to CBP's informed compliance publications and industry best practices, these steps reduce the risk:

• Match your documents — HS code, declared value, country of origin, and product description should be consistent across commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading

• Use accurate HS codes — verify classification using CBP's CROSS database or request a binding ruling for recurring products

• Declare the correct value — transaction value should include commissions, assists, royalties, and production costs per CBP guidelines

• Keep records — CBP can review entries up to 5 years after importation. Maintain all supporting documents

• Work with experienced brokers — a licensed customs broker familiar with your product category can catch issues before filing

Only 3-5% of incoming cargo gets physically examined at U.S. ports, according to industry sources. But post-entry document reviews like CF-28s can reach any importer, regardless of size or track record.

CF-28 response checklist

• Note the 30-day deadline from the Date of Request (Box #1)

• Identify exactly what CBP is asking — classification, valuation, origin, or other

• Gather all supporting documents for the specific shipment

• Review whether the same issue applies to other past entries

• Have an authorized official sign the response

• Respond within the deadline — or request an extension before it expires

• Consider whether a prior disclosure is appropriate before responding

• Consult a customs broker or trade attorney for complex cases

A CF-28 is a question, not a penalty. But silence turns it into one. Respond on time, respond accurately, and make sure your entry documents don't invite the question in the first place.