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 14,454 active licensed Customs brokers in the United States.
What about 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:
- be a United States citizen at least 21 years old.
- not be a current Federal Government employee.
- possess good moral character.
Assuming I am eligible, how do I become a Customs broker?
- First, you must pass the Customs Broker License Examination.
- Second, you must submit a broker license application with appropriate fees.
- Third, your application must be approved by CBP.
Additional Information
For additional information, please visit the Customs Brokers Frequently Asked Questions.