Liquidation is the final ascertainment by CBP of the duties, taxes, and fees owed on an entry of merchandise. It is governed by 19 U.S.C. § 1500 and 19 CFR Part 159, and is the act that makes an entry summary legally final.
Default 314-day window. CBP has 314 days from the date of entry to liquidate. If CBP does not act within that window (and no extension or suspension is in place), the entry is deemed liquidated at the rate, value, and amount asserted by the importer on the entry summary.
Liquidation outcomes:
- As entered — CBP accepts the rate, classification, and value declared by the importer (the most common outcome)
- Increased duty — CBP changes the HTS, value, or origin and assesses additional duty (subject to protest)
- Refund — CBP determines the importer overpaid (often resulting from preference programs or reconciliation)
- No change — duty calculation matches the importer's declaration
Notice. Liquidation is announced by posting a bulletin notice at the port of entry — historically a paper bulletin, now electronic in ACE. The date of posting is the operative liquidation date for calculating the protest deadline.
Effects of liquidation:
- Starts the 180-day protest clock under 19 U.S.C. § 1514
- Closes the entry for further administrative adjustment (except via protest)
- Triggers a refund check or supplemental bill for any duty differences
- Releases (or holds) the surety bond
Extensions. CBP may extend liquidation for up to four additional one-year periods, for a maximum of approximately five years. Common extension reasons include pending classification questions, antidumping or countervailing duty reviews, and ongoing audits.