The United States Customs Bureau requires that an importer secure a bond to guarantee that it will pay all duties on goods brought into the country. Shippers must secure open customs bonds that cover shipments on a continuous basis. Custom bonds are available for others on a single shipment basis that are written for amounts equal to the value of the goods and include applicable duties and fees. Related to customs bonds, Non-Vessel Owners Common Carrier (NVOCC) bonds and freight forwarders bonds for importers and exporters are required by the Federal Maritime Commission and protect exporters for their cargoes while being shipped.