BECOMING A US CUSTOMS BROKER
What is a Customs broker?Customs brokers are private individuals, partnerships, associations or corporations licensed, regulated and empowered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to assist importers and exporters in meeting Federal requirements governing imports and exports. Brokers submit necessary information and appropriate payments to CBP on behalf of their clients and charge them a fee for this service.
Brokers must have expertise in the entry procedures, admissibility requirements, classification, valuation, and the rates of duty and applicable taxes and fees for imported merchandise.
There are approximately 11,000 active licensed Customs brokers in the United States.
What are Customs brokerages?
Corporations, partnerships and associations must have a broker license to transact Customs business. Each of these businesses must have at least one individually licensed officer, partner or associate to qualify the company's license. Failure to have a qualifying officer or member (of a partnership) for more than 120 days will result in the revocation of the broker license.
Who is eligible to become qualified as a Customs broker?
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria.
• be a United States citizen
• at least 21 years old*
• Not a current Federal Government employee.
• Possess good moral character.
*you can be 18 years old to take the exam
Assuming I am eligible, how do I become a Customs broker?
1. First, you must pass the Customs Broker License Examination.
2. Second, you must submit a broker license application with appropriate fees.
3. Third, your application must be approved by CBP.
Applying for a Customs Broker License
When may I apply?
Assuming you are eligible, you may apply after you pass the Customs Broker License Examination.
How long after passing the examination can I wait to apply for a broker license?
A: You must apply to a CBP port director within three years of the date of the letter notifying you that you passed the Customs Broker License Examination.
What are the fees for a broker license application?
There is a $200 application fee (plus a fingerprint check and processing fee).
Where do I apply?
Apply to the port where you want to transact Customs business as a broker.
Broker License Application Review
Who reviews broker license applications?
There are three levels of review. First is a multi-agency background investigation. Second, the CBP port director reviews the background investigation and any other pertinent information, and forwards a recommendation to CBP Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Finally, CBP will carefully evaluate each application, and the Assistant Commissioner, Office of International Trade, will advise the applicant whether his or her application is approved.
What does the background investigation include?
Each broker license applicant must undergo a background investigation that includes a fingerprint analysis and a review of character references, credit reports, and any arrest record. Arrests or convictions do not necessarily preclude the issuance of a license.
How long does the license application process take?
The length of time it takes to complete the license application process can vary depending on multiple factors. Some of the factors include but are not limited to the amount of different locations the applicant has lived in, the workload of the agent conducting the background investigation and the national security threat level. An application can take from 8 to 12 months to process.
Is there an appeal if a broker license application is denied by CBP?
Yes. Appeal procedures are outlined in 19 CFR 111.17.
For a complete guide about how to become a US Customs Broker in PDF format, please fill out and submit the below form.
Above contention is retained from www.cbp.gov. Please refer www.cbp.gov for the latest updates