Customs Broker Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact a Customs Broker or local CBP Port Office.

Please go to Find a Permitted Broker.

Please go to Locate a Port of Entry.

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Please wait 20 minutes to attempt payment again.  If the message remains after 20 minutes, please contact REVMOD SERVICE DESK at revmodservicedesk@cbp.dhs.gov and open a ticket for further assistance.

A processing Center is the broker management operations of a Center of Excellence and Expertise (Center).  The processing Center processes applications for a broker’s license, applications for a national permit and submissions required in 19 CFR 111 for an already-licensed broker.  

A Customs broker will continue to interact with a processing Center Broker Management Officer (BMO) based upon the physical port location through which the license and national permit are issued. A BMO contact list is located on the broker homepage at cbp.gov. 

The national permit (NP) will operate as permits did before the transition; broker applies, CBP grants it; there is an annual user fee; the NP remains active as long as CBP receives an annual user fee unless the broker cancels it or it is revoked by operation of law or for cause.

CBP currently accepts electronic submission of broker exam and triennial status report fees through the eCBP portal (a CBP electronic data interchange (EDI) system). CBP plans to expand the eCBP portal to collect additional broker fees in the future. Currently, license and permit application fees, and permit user fees are submitted to the processing Center (port location) through which the application is to be submitted or license was delivered.

A broker designated knowledgeable point of contact (POC) must be available to CBP during and outside of normal operating hours to respond to customs business issues within 24 hours of inquiry. Brokers must maintain accurate and current POC information with CBP through the ACE portal account, or by writing to the processing Center if the broker does not have a portal account.  

The knowledgeable point of contact must be an employee of the brokerage and should have sufficient knowledge of operations to respond to a CBP inquiry or direct CBP to an appropriate source for a response. 

CBP requires the broker to provide a point of contact (POC) with sufficient knowledge of broker operations. The point of contact may refer CBP to other individuals to respond to questions.  The POC may provide an email address/mailbox accessible by others as long as the email address/mailbox is monitored by individual(s) with sufficient knowledge of broker operations, and a response is provided to CBP within 24 hours of inquiry. 

The recordkeeping point of contact (POC) must be knowledgeable about the financial records and customs business records and will be contacted when CBP is interested in accessing or reviewing the records. For example, CBP might request to see the broker's financial records for an audit or customs records for a broker visit or broker action.  A broker must provide and keep current a recordkeeping contact.  The contact should be reported on the ACE national permit ‘contacts’ tab.  If a broker does not have an ACE portal account, the contact must be provided to the processing Center in writing

Upon the Final Rule effective date, a broker must execute a power of attorney (POA) directly with the importer of record (IOR) or drawback claimant, and not through a freight forwarder or other (unlicensed) third party, in order to transact customs business for that importer of record or drawback claimant. The term “directly” means the IOR or claimant must execute and sign the POA by directly communicating with the broker , and cannot have an agent or third party sign or negotiate the POA in their stead. However, the IOR or claimant may have an agent or third party assist in executing the POA, for example, by: providing translation services; providing counsel in reviewing the terms of a POA; or, providing courier services to relay a written POA. 

The requirement for brokers to execute a power of attorney (POA) directly with a client does not prohibit a Broker A-Broker B relationship. A client may authorize its broker (Broker A) to allow other brokers (Broker B) to transact any portion of the customs business conducted on behalf of the client. The grant of authority to Broker B is accomplished by including special appointment language in the POA executed between the client and Broker A.

A freight forwarder may not assign a power of attorney to conduct customs business to a customs broker on behalf of a client.

In order to directly execute a POA with an IOR, a broker must directly communicate with the IOR, not via a third party or intermediary, such as a FF. A FF or other third party may act as a courier or delivery service to pass a written POA and related communications back and forth between a broker and IOR, or facilitate an electronic introduction between a broker and IOR, but cannot communicate with the broker instead of or in place of the IOR.

Yes, anyone seeking to have a broker conduct customs business on their behalf, including a nominal consignee, must execute a POA directly with a customs broker.

There is no change to 19 CFR Part 141 or to CBP's position on electronic signatures. Please see the FAQs on electronic signatures on POAs.

A broker must execute a power of attorney (POA) directly with an importer of record (IOR) or drawback claimant (client) and not through a freight forwarder or other third party in order to transact customs business on behalf of the client. The term “directly” means the IOR or claimant must execute and sign the POA by directly communicating with the broker, and cannot have an agent or third party sign or negotiate the POA in their stead​. An agent or other 3rd party cannot serve as a barrier to communications between the broker and the client, however, the IOR or claimant may have an agent or third party assist in executing the POA, for example by: providing translation services; providing counsel in reviewing the terms of a POA;  or, providing courier services to relay a written POA, but cannot communicate with the broker instead of or in place of the IOR​.

CBP has not made any change to the standard POA language provided in 19 CFR 141.32.

Brokers must attach the supervision plan to the national permit application.

If the supervision plan is updated, the broker may submit a copy of the updated plan to the processing Center for DIS storage in the broker’s ACE account.

A broker must provide a supervision plan for exercising responsible supervision and control over its customs business at the time of permit application. Supervision plans are unique to each broker and depend, among other things, on the size of a brokerage, the complexity of the customs business, and the types of transactions handled. CBP believes it would be prudent to have more supervision in place if the broker entity is large and deals with complex business transactions. A link to a sample permit application and supervision plan guidelines can be found on Customs Broker Modernization webpage.

Brokers with an active national permit in place prior to the effective date of the Final Rule are not required to provide a supervision plan to CBP. However, development of a supervision plan is recommended as a best practice to ensure proper maintenance of responsible supervision and control. If a broker, who is exempt from the supervision plan requirement cancels his/her permit or the permit is revoked by operation of law, and afterwards the broker applies for a new permit, he/she must provide a supervision plan along with all other information required to be submitted with a national permit application. 

A sole proprietorship, partnership, association, or corporation should employ a sufficient number of brokers to ensure it maintains responsible supervision and control over its customs business. What constitutes a sufficient number of brokers will depend on multiple factors, such as the size of the broker entity, the skills and abilities of the employees and supervising employees, and the complexity and similarity of tasks. Additional guidance may be found on Customs Broker Modernization webpage. 

Brokers must electronically notify CBP when there has been a breach of electronic or physical broker records and provide CBP with any comprised importer of record numbers.

Contacts for Reporting a Breach of Electronic or Physical Records to CBP:

• All security incidents that have any effect on the security posture of CBP must be reported to the CBP Office of Information Technology (OIT) Security Operations Center (CBP SOC).
• During business hours (6:30 am-7:30 pm EST): Contact CBP OIT SOC at cbpsoc@cbp.dhs.gov. Questions as to the reporting of the breach or if any guidance is needed may be directed to 703-921-6507. If applicable, contact the party’s ABI Client Representative. If the Client Representative is unknown, please contact gmb.clientrepoutreach@cbp.dhs.gov.
• After business hours (after 7:30 pm EST): Contact CBP OIT SOC and the CBP Technology Service Desk at ACE.SUPPORT@cbp.dhs.gov (with the ABI Client Representative email address on copy, as appropriate.)

A broker must provide notification  to CBP within 72 hours of discovering a breach of electronic or physical records relating to the broker’s customs business. The notification must include any known compromised importer’s Employer Identification Numbers (EIN). Within 10 business days of the notification, the broker must electronically provide an updated list of any additional known compromised EINs. After that, the broker must electronically provide any additional information discovered within 72 hours of discovery.

Brokers must maintain original records, including electronic records, within the customs territory of the United States and in accordance with the provisions of Part 111 and Part 163 of 19 CFR. 

Brokers can share client information with third parties when authorized in writing by the client. 

Third-party servers hosting electronic broker records must be based in the U.S.

A broker must not file or procure or assist in the filing of any claim, or of any document, affidavit, or other papers, known by such broker to be false. A broker must not give, or solicit or procure the giving of, any information or testimony that the broker knew or should have known was false or misleading, in any matter pending before DHS or to any representative of DHS. 

Upon the Final Rule effective date, brokers must document and report to CBP when brokers separate from or cancel representation with a client upon determining that the client is intentionally attempting to use brokers to defraud the U.S. Government or commit a criminal act against the U.S. Government. The report to CBP must include the client name, date of separation or cancellation, and reason for the separation or cancellation. Such information should be reported by phone, email, or mail to a supervisory point of contact at the importer’s assigned Center of Excellence and Expertise. Reporting may also be made through CBP’s e-Allegations program as long as all required information is submitted. Additional guidance can be found in the Customs Broker Guidance for the Trade Community.

The broker should provide the name and address of the client, when the separation or cancellation occurred, the reason(s) for the separation or cancellation, and any documentation of the violation or attempted violation so CBP can exercise its due diligence and perform an investigation of the importer’s dealings. 

CBP will notify brokers in writing of an impending revocation by operation of law, 30 calendar days before the revocation is due to occur, but only if the broker has provided advance notice to CBP of the underlying events that could cause a revocation by operation of law. Once a permit and/or a license is revoked by operation of law, CBP will also provide notice of the effective revocation.

CBP will endeavor to publish permit and license revocations by operation of law in the Federal Register within 1 year after revocation. 

CBP published the Broker Continuing Education Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on September 10, 2021, and is adjudicating the comments received.  

The definition of “customs business” has not changed and can be found in 19 U.S.C. 1641(a)(2) and 19 CFR 111.1, with additional requirements specified in 19 CFR 111.3. Based on the requirements appearing in § 111.3(a), the proposal in the example would not be allowed because customs business must be conducted within the customs territory of the United States.  Brokers may request a ruling for a clear determination as to the permissibility of a fact-specific activity/scenario pursuant to 19 CFR 177.1. 

The Final Rule expands the scope of the national permit authority to allow national permit holders to conduct any type of customs business throughout the customs territory of the United States, effectively making every entry filed a remote location filed entry. Upon the effective date of the Final Rule, a broker will file all entries through a national permit and submit the current RLF required information in the ‘B’ record of the ABI Batch and Block Control for each filing.

An updated CBP and Trade Automated Interface Requirements on the ABI Batch and Block Control will be posted to CBP.gov.

ACE Automated Broker Interface (ABI) CBP and Trade Automated Interface Requirements (CATAIR) | U.S. Customs and Border Protection 

No, the regulatory changes do not affect self-filing importers who are not utilizing the services of a broker. 

An updated CBP and Trade Automated Interface Requirements on the ABI Batch and Block Control will be posted to CBP.gov. 

ACE Automated Broker Interface (ABI) CBP and Trade Automated Interface Requirements (CATAIR) | U.S. Customs and Border Protection 

If a broker intends to maintain original records using an alternative storage method, he/she must submit an advance written notification to CBP. The notice must be provided at least 30 days prior to implementation of the alternative storage method. See 19 CFR 163.5(b) for details on submitting an alternative storage notification.

There has been no change to 19 CFR 111.36(c)(1) and (2) concerning broker compensation to a FF for referring broker business.

There has been no change as to who must file a triennial status report. All licensed individuals and organizations must file a triennial report.

If an individual is working for a licensed customs broker and transacting customs business on behalf of the licensed customs broker employer, the individual does not need a permit.

The Final Rule and the transition to a national permit structure does not have any effect on the statement generation and payment process.

The only section of 19 CFR 111.36, Relations with unlicensed parties, that has changed in the modernized regulations is 111.36(c)(3), the requirement to execute a direct power of attorney between the client and the broker.  CBP has not changed any other requirements in that section.

The permit qualifier does not need to be an officer but must be a licensed employee. The license qualifier DOES need to be an officer of a corporation or association, or member of a partnership.

The letter for changing a national permit qualifier would go to the processing Center BMO located at the port through which the license was issued.  National permits are managed through the licensing location. You may also copy the BMB HQ email: brokermanagement@cbp.dhs.gov.

CBP will not require customs brokers to have individually licensed brokers at each location where a broker transacts customs business, however, the broker must determine how many licensed customs brokers are needed and where they should be located to maintain responsible supervision and control over all custom business being conducted by the broker.

If CBP has a responsible supervision and control concern regarding a broker, whether the broker is employing a sufficient number of brokers is one of the factors that CBP may consider in determining whether or not the broker exercises responsible supervision and control over the customs business being conducted. After a broker visit, CBP will issue a written report of the visit documenting all areas of concern which could include identifying a lack of individually licensed brokers.

Brokers are responsible for providing CBP with an office of record address, email address, and a mailing address if that address is different from the office of record. Brokers not actively engaged in transacting customs business must provide CBP with their non-business address. Brokers must notify CBP of any change of address(es) within 10 calendar days of the change.

Reporting must be done through the ACE broker portal. If the broker does not have an ACE portal account, the information must be submitted in writing to a processing Center.

Brokers must provide written notification to CBP within 10 calendar days of an event resulting in a change of organization, with details explaining the event/change. Such events include a change in national permit qualifier, license qualifier, organization articles, or name.

CBP made training available for all changes in ACE, along with reference guides in the ACE broker portal. Please use the following link: ACE Training and Reference Guides. 

Permitted brokers with ACE portal accounts may use the ACE broker portal to transmit information on current, new, and terminated employees; the office of record and recordkeeping address; the recordkeeping point of contact; and the knowledgeable 24/7 point of contact. If a broker does not have an ACE portal account, this information must be submitted in writing to the processing Center.

The ACE trade account owner (TAO) has the capability to add users to the account, assign a user’s access level, and grant no access, read-only access or full access to account information. It is the TAO’s responsibility to determine which users may have access to view and/or update employee information.  

Brokers must report the employee's name, social security number, date and place of birth, date of hire, and current home address to CBP.

Brokers must report any changes to their current employees’ personal information (listed in § 111.28(b)(1)) within 30 calendar days of the change.

Brokers must submit any updated information through the ACE broker portal. If the broker does not have an ACE portal account, updated information must be provided in writing to a processing Center.

Brokers must report a new employee to CBP within 30 calendar days of the start of employment. Reporting must be done through the ACE broker portal. If the broker does not have an ACE portal account, the information must be submitted in writing to a processing Center.

Brokers must report a terminated employee to CBP within 30 calendar days of the termination. Reporting must be done through the ACE broker portal. If the broker does not have an ACE portal account, the information must be submitted in writing to a processing Center.

Yes, there will be a new template in the modernized portal with sections for the employee information required to be reported.  It will not include sections on previous employment and previous addresses.

As partially referenced in Headquarters Ruling 225006 (Feb. 15, 1994), and per the Federal Register notice published on March 30, 1989 (54 Fed. Reg. 13136), there are guidelines for identifying bona fide employer employee relationships.

No. As partially referenced in Headquarters Ruling 225006 (Feb. 15, 1994), and per the Federal Register notice published on March 30, 1989 (54 Fed. Reg. 13136), there are guidelines for identifying bona fide employer-employee relationships.  Subject to such guidelines, generally, a person who hires an independent contractor, or temp-agency/leased employee does not enter into an employer-employee relationship.  Please note that the requisite responsible supervision and control of all Customs transactions conducted by a broker for a client can be exercised only in an employee-broker relationship and not in an independent contractor or leased employee relationship.  Accordingly, an independent contractor or leased employee cannot conduct customs business.  See HQ 113867 (Mar. 19, 1997).

Brokers are required to report ALL employees of the licensed brokerage entity to CBP with the submission of a national permit application in compliance with 19 CFR 111.28, regardless of the employees’ duties and responsibilities (e.g. warehouse or office employees) and their work hours (e.g. temporary or part-time) as employees. This enables CBP to know all potential risks to U.S. revenue, or to the public, that an employee may pose.

In addition to providing a list of all employees, an organization broker applying for a national permit must provide the name, broker license number, office address, telephone number, and email address of each individual licensed broker (ILB) employed. CBP will add the ILBs to the permit record in ACE under the “Licensed Broker” tab.  There is no additional requirement for brokers to identify whether new reported employees are ILBs, however, if a broker wishes to add new ILB employees to the “Licensed Broker” tab in ACE after initial submission, the broker may do so.  To upload employee data, refer to the Modernized ACE Portal - Broker Reporting Quick Reference Card for instructions.

There are two types of customs brokers - private individuals and organizational brokerages.  Organizational brokerages consist of corporations, partnerships, LLCs, or associations. 

All brokers are 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 16,170 active licensed Customs brokers in the United States.

An individual must be a citizen of the United States, but not an officer or employee of the U.S. Government, be of good moral character, have attained 21 years of age prior to submission of the application and have passed a Customs Broker exam within 3 years of the submission of the application.

First, you must pass the Customs Broker License Examination.  Second, you must submit a broker license application package with the appropriate fees. Finally, your application must be approved by CBP.

Corporations, partnerships and associations must obtain 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 broker 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.

The organization must submit a customs broker license application package and appropriate fees to their local port.  The application must be approved by CBP.

You may contact the Broker Management Officer at the port where you want to transact Customs business as a broker.

When the remote proctored examination option is offered, the selection may be made during broker exam registration.

Verify all the information provided is correct. If you continue to receive the error message, contact the Rev Mod Service Desk for assistance.

Verify you are using the same Login.gov account used previously. The same Login.gov account must be used each time to log in to eCBP or you will encounter this error. The email address may be changed and an additional email address may be added to your Login.gov account, but the account should not be deleted nor should a new or different Login.gov account be used. If you can’t sign in to the account used previously because you are unable to authenticate your account (no longer have the phone/device used previously, etc.), contact the Rev Mod Service Desk for assistance. Instructions for changing/adding an email address to a Login.gov account are available at the Login.gov website.

You may not have successfully signed in to Login.gov. Check the upper right corner of the Brokers home page and verify that ‘Login’ is not displayed. If ‘Login’ is displayed rather than your Login.gov email address, you have not signed in. If you are unable to sign in to Login.gov with the computer/device you are using, it may be configured to block cookies from being stored or is on a network that blocks cookies from being stored.  Try using another device like a mobile phone or tablet which should resolve the issue.

All Broker Exam applicants will register using the eCBP Portal at https://e.cbp.dhs.gov and will sign in using Login.gov.  A Login.gov account may be created during the registration process.

CBP recommends using the Google Chrome browser, latest version.

eCBP will function in Internet Explorer (IE) or Microsoft EDGE browsers with the recommended configuration adjustments below.  Google Chrome does not require adjustments to the browser’s configuration.

For adjustments to IE or EDGE, simply add a special link (https://idp.int.identitysandbox.gov [1]) to the trusted site using the steps below:

• Open the Control Panel
• Click or double-click the Internet Options icon
• In the Internet Properties windows, click the Security tab
• Select the Trusted Sites entry and click the Sites button
• Enter https://idp.int.identitysandbox.gov [1] for the trusted websites in the Add this website to the zone text field
• Click the Add button and then click OK to save the URL.
• Then IE or EDGE should function properly when logging in to register.

If additional assistance is needed, contact Rev Mod Service Desk (RMSD) at: RevModServiceDesk@cbp.dhs.gov or call 1-800-366-8732 Ext. 4670 (please leave a message if your call is not answered directly) RMSD is open Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.

The Broker Exam Registration User Guide and Quick Reference Guide are available at User/Quick Reference Guides.

Contact the Rev Mod Service Desk or call 1-800-366-8732 Ext. 4670 (please leave a message if your call is not answered directly). RMSD is open Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Eastern time.

eCBP uses cookies during the log in process to pass login information from login.gov to eCBP.

An address verification method has been implemented to capture accurate addresses. If you receive the message 'Residence Address Standardized' with an updated address, verify the address is correct. If you receive the message ‘Residence Address Not Found', verify the address and edit if needed. After the messages display, you may be navigated to the next screen and would need to select the Back button to make an address update. If your residence address and mailing address is different, you may receive the same type of messages for the Mailing Address separately.

The purpose of the examination is to “determine the individual’s knowledge of Customs and related laws, regulations and procedures, bookkeeping, accounting, and all other appropriate matters, necessary to render valuable service to importers and exporters.” (19 CFR 111.13(a)).

To be eligible to take the examination the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, age 18 or older, and they cannot be employed by the federal government at the time of the examination date. An individual who intends to take the examination must complete the electronic application at least 30 calendar days prior to the scheduled examination date and the applicant must remit the $390 examination fee prescribed in 111.96(a) at that time.

The examination fee is $390 as prescribed in 111.96(a).  Information regarding all Customs Brokers fees is available at CBP Customs Broker Fees.

Payment of the examination fee must be made online via the examination application, and may be made by credit card, by debit card that can be used as a credit card, PayPal or Amazon payment.

As stated in 19 CFR 111.13(b), examinations are given on the fourth Wednesday in April and October unless the regularly scheduled examination date conflicts with a national holiday, religious observance, or other foreseeable event. A Federal Register Notice will be published if there is a change to an examination date.

In person examinations are given at authorized testing sites throughout the United States (including Puerto Rico) and examinees self-select their examination site.  Remote proctored exams are available on a limited basis and are given online with electronic monitoring by an exam proctor.

When the remote proctored exam option is offered it will be with limited availability upon registering on a first come, first served basis.  If the remote proctored exam option is being offered and is available, it will appear for selection when registering for the exam. To be eligible you must successfully execute the system checks which are provided at https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/customs-brokers/license-examination-notice-examination.  An affirmation selection will appear when the remote proctored exam option is selected. You must affirm that the system checks were successfully executed.

If the remote proctored exam is being offered and has exceeded capacity, there may be an option for a waitlist.  If a waitlist is being offered when you register, it will appear for your selection. If selecting the waitlist option, you must successfully perform the system checks and affirm that the system checks were successfully executed.  An affirmation selection will appear when the waitlist for the remote proctored exam option is selected. You must affirm that the system checks were successfully executed.  If capacity becomes available, you will be notified by email from Broker Management Branch prior to the withdrawal deadline.

If there is not an option for the remote proctored exam or a waitlist for the remote proctored exam when you register, the remote option is not available.

When you refresh your browser after making a remote proctored exam selection, the selection will be cleared and will need to be re-selected.  Remote proctored exam selections are not saved in draft applications. When retrieving a draft application, a selection for the remote proctored exam will need to be made again.

Approximately 2 1/2 weeks after exam registration closes, registrants will receive an email from the exam vendor with account creation and exam site self-selection instructions at the email address provided in the examination application. Those who do not self-select will be placed in the closest available examination site. Each registrant will be emailed an examination admission notice identifying the location of their examination. If assistance is needed with the self-scheduling or exam scheduling processes, contact the PSI CBLE Support Desk at CBLE_Support@talogy.com or call 877-449-8378 extension 3.

Approximately 2 1/2 weeks after exam registration closes, remote proctored registrants will receive an email with account creation and appointment selection instructions from the exam vendor at the email address provided in the examination application. Those who do not select an appointment time will be assigned to a time zone based on the zip code of the address provided and time zone capacity. If assistance is needed with the self-scheduling or exam scheduling processes, contact the PSI CBLE Support Desk at CBLE_Support@talogy.com or call 877-449-8378 extension 3.

Applicants requesting a reasonable modification based on disability needs must indicate "Yes" in response to the statement, “I seek modifications under the American Disabilities Act” and provide the following supporting information in the box below the question on the exam application form:

1. The limitations resulting from the disability;
2. Barriers to your effective participation in the standard electronic version of the exam based on the limitations; and
3. Your preferred or suggested reasonable modifications to remove the barriers to effectively participate in the exam.
4. The zip code of their preferred exam location. Zip codes are listed under the In-Person Exam Locations tab on the CBLE webpage (link below).

If after submission of the exam application a reasonable modification request is needed, the required information may be sent to the Broker Management Branch at brokermanangement@cbp.dhs.gov before the close of exam registration. Additional information is available at CBP Customs Broker License Examination.

Examinees must bring their proof of registration, proof of identification AND proof of citizenship. Approved forms of proof of identity are: original government issued photo identification such as U.S. State issued Driver's License, U.S. State issued ID Card, U.S. Passport, U.S. Military ID, U.S. Federal, U.S. State, or U.S. City Government Employee ID Card, U.S. Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.  Approved forms of citizenship are: U.S. Passport, U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth or U.S. Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship. Photocopies or electronic copies of identification and proof of citizenship documents are NOT permitted. All identification and proof of citizenship documents must be unexpired, official, original, physical versions.

Examinees may bring appropriate Harmonized Tariff Schedule, Appropriate Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations, ACE Entry Summary Instructions, Right to Make Entry Directive 3530-002 and ACE Entry Summary Business Rules and Process document. Examinees may bring their own pencil and scratch paper to the examination. Cell phones, laptops, pagers, smart watches and other electronic and communication devices may not be used in the examination room.

The examination is electronic, consists of 80 multiple choice questions, and is open book.  A score of 75 percent is required to pass. Examinees are allowed 4.5 hours to complete the examination. 

• The Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the Code of Federal Regulations may be found at GPO Bookstore.
• The electronic version of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule may be found at Harmonized Tariff Schedule for self-printing.
• The electronic version of the Code of Federal Regulations may be found at Code of Federal Regulations for self-printing.
• ACE Entry Summary Instructions may be found at ACE Entry Summary Instructions.
• The Right to Make Entry Directive 3530-002 may be found at CBP Directives and Handbooks.
• The ACE Entry Summary Business Rules and Process document may be found at CBP ACE Entry Summary Business Process.
• Examinees may only bring paper reference materials to the examination room. Examinees are not allowed to bring in electronic reference materials on any device.

A link to a sample electronic examination is available at CBP Customs Broker License Examination in the Sample Exam section. The link may be accessed an unlimited number of times and may be useful in familiarizing examination applicants with the electronic examination process. The sample examination will not evaluate answers.

CBP Customs Broker License Examination

CBP maintains actual examination questions and their answer keys at CBP Customs Broker License Examinations & Answer Keys.

Individuals may not make changes to a Broker Examination application after submission and payment.  Names and addresses on identification documents provided at the time of the examination must match the application. If you need to make a name or email address change after submission of your application and payment, please email brokermanagement@cbp.dhs.gov to request the change.

Upon remote proctored exam/waitlist selection of ‘Yes’, a message displays that the request will be confirmed after payment. Only after payment will your request for the remote proctored exam/waitlist be recorded. Requesting the remote proctored exam/waitlist selection and then exiting/saving without payment will not record the selection. If you selected the remote proctored exam option, you will receive an email from the vendor with instructions and a separate reminder within approximately 12 business days after the close of registration. If you selected the Waitlist option and capacity becomes available, you will be notified by email from Broker Management Branch prior to the withdrawal deadline.

Any applicant who wishes to withdraw from the examination and receive a refund must sign in to the eCBP portal, select Broker License and then select the ‘Withdraw from Exam’ option no later than 8:30 am (Eastern time) two working days prior to the examination date. Refunds for examination withdrawals will generally be processed within 45 days after the scheduled examination is scored.

You WILL NOT be able to reapply for the same exam once you have withdrawn. Corrections to your exam application information must be requested through email to brokermanagement@cbp.dhs.gov.

The withdraw option will not appear unless you have registered for the exam.

Receipts are available in the Payment Summary displayed after payment and electronic receipts will be emailed to the email address provided in the exam application. Receipts can be retrieved by signing in to your eCBP account, selecting the License Exam link, and then selecting Completed Exam Applications/Receipts.

Some phones such as iPhone may not support PDF viewing in the native email app and may require a browser to view the receipts.

The examinee answer sheet is downloaded by the examinee after the examinee receives an email from the vendor indicating that the answer sheet is ready. Typically, the examinees will receive the email advising the examinees to sign into their accounts and download the answer sheet on exam day.  The answer sheet will need to be included with the appeal package if submitting an appeal.

Examinees will be notified of the examination results by email. The email address provided in the examination application will be used for notification of the examination results.

CBP will make every effort to post a copy of the actual examination at CBP Customs Broker License Examinations & Answer Keys within 5 business days following the examination.  The answers undergo a vetting process and will typically be available within 10 business days of the examination.  

Updates should be made when completing the exam registration form. Names and addresses on identification documents provided at the time of the examination must match the application. If you need to make a name or email change after submission of your application and payment, please email brokermanagement@cbp.dhs.gov to request the change.

If an application packet is not received within 60 days of the passing grade notification, you may contact the Broker Management Officer at the Port of Affiliation indicated on your registration form.

Some phones such as iPhone may not support PDF viewing in the native email app and may require a browser to view the attachment.

You may apply for a broker license up to 3 years from the date of receiving the passing examination notification.

You may retake the examination when it is offered again by re-applying and paying the examination fee.  You are also entitled to submit an appeal of your examination score to CBP in accordance with 19 CFR 111.13(f).

An incomplete/unpaid exam application will not be active and not available to view after the exam registration period is closed.

More information about the Broker Exam may be found at CBP Customs Broker License Examination/Notification.

Assuming you are eligible, you may apply after you pass the Customs Broker License Examination.

Apply to the processing Center nearest geographically to where you intend to transact Customs business as a broker.

License application fees are $300 for an individual license application and $500 for an organization license application; plus a fingerprint processing fee for an individual applicant or each officer/member/owner identified in an organization application.   Please use the following link for fingerprint fee information: Broker Fee Schedule - https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/customs-brokers/fees

There are three levels of review. First, a multi-agency background investigation   is required. Second, the CBP processing Center reviews the background investigation results and any other pertinent information before it forwards a recommendation concerning approval to CBP Headquarters (HQ) in Washington, D.C. Third, CBP HQ will carefully evaluate each application, and the Executive Director, Trade Policy and Programs, Office of Trade, will make a determination whether to approve or deny the application. If approved the processing Center will advise the applicant of the license issuance. If denied, the Executive Director will advise the applicant in writing of the denial and the reason for denial. The Executive Director, Trade Policy and Programs, Office of Trade, may follow up with additional oral or written inquiry prior to issuing a final decision approving or denying the application.

Each Broker license applicant must undergo a background investigation that includes a fingerprint analysis and review of character references, credit reports, and arrest records.  Arrests and convictions do not necessarily preclude the issuance of a license.  In partnership, association, or corporation applications, individuals identified as principals with controlling interest, officers, partners, or members will also undergo a background investigation.

The Center Director will refer an application for an individual, partnership, association, or corporation license to the special agent in charge or other entity designated by Headquarters for investigation and report.  An investigation under this section will ascertain facts relevant to the question of whether the applicant is qualified and will cover, but need not be limited to: The accuracy of the statements made in the application; The business integrity of the applicant; and, When the applicant is an individual (including a member of a partnership or an officer of an association or corporation), the character and reputation of the applicant. The Center Director will forward the application and the report of investigation to the Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade. The Center Director will also submit his recommendation for action on the application.

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 completeness of the application package; the volume and complexity of negative credit information; the volume, outcome, and type of arrests; the presence of negative employment history.  CBP’s overall processing time upon receipt of a complete license application is 6-12 months.  Upon notification of issuance, the license will be active for appropriate use.  The physical paper license will be made available for presentation by the processing Center to an applicant 8-12 weeks after notification of license issuance.

A broker license applicant may withdraw the application at any time prior to issuance of the license by providing written notice of the withdrawal to the processing Center where the application was submitted. However, withdrawal of the application does not entitle the applicant to receive a refund of the application fee.

The processing Center may reject an application as improperly filed if the application, on its face, demonstrates that one or more of the basic requirements listed in 19 C.F.R. 111.11 for a license have not been met at the time of filing, in which case the application and fee will be returned to the filer without further action.

Yes. Appeal procedures are outlined in 19 CFR 111.17.

You may apply for a broker license up to 3 years from the date of receiving the passing examination notification.

Replacement requests may be directed to the port through which your license was obtained or via email to brokermanagement@cbp.dhs.gov with "license replacement request for license #####” in the subject line.

Name change request letters may be mailed to the BMO at your license registered port or emailed to brokermanagement@cbp.dhs.gov with supporting legal documentation and “license name change request” in the subject line.

The processing Center will review the background investigation results and application package to ascertain facts relevant to the question of whether the applicant is qualified to become a broker and will cover, but is not be limited to: The accuracy of the statements made in the application and interview; The business integrity and financial responsibility of the applicant; and, When the applicant is an individual (including a member of a partnership or an officer of an association or corporation), the character and reputation of the applicant, including any association with any individuals or groups that may present a risk to the security or to the revenue collection of the United States. The processing Center will forward the application, recommendation for action and supporting documentation to the Executive Director, Trade Policy and Programs, Office of Trade.

No. Customs Broker licenses are issued to individuals, associations, corporations, or partnerships. These licenses are restricted to the person or entity to which they are issued, and are not transferable from that license holder to any other individual or entity, regardless of the relationship.  For example, an individual licensee may not use his or her license for the purpose of a corporation to engage in "Customs business" - even if the licensee is sole owner of that corporation. The corporation would need to obtain its own Customs Broker license.

Note that, upon that corporation's receipt of its license, the licensed individual could qualify it to engage in "Customs business."  In such a case, the licensee would be required to be an officer of that corporation.

If the broker wishes to operate under a different name, the broker can change his, her, or its name, or can utilize a fictitious name i.e., DBA, or "Doing Business As". Pursuant to 19 CFR § 111.30(c), a broker who wishes to change names, or proposes to operate under a trade or fictitious name, must obtain approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection prior to using that new name.

In the case of a trade or fictitious name, the broker must affix his, her, or its own name in conjunction with the approved trade name when signing customs documents. For example, should Customs broker "ABC, Inc." be granted approval to use the fictitious name of "XYZ," that Customs broker must sign customs documents as "ABC, Inc. dba XYZ."

To request use of a trade name, please submit to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Broker Management Branch, the following:

1. A written request for use of the trade name.  Include your name, physical mailing and email address, phone number, port name and port code, and license number.
2. A copy of approval to use the trade name from the relevant local authority (e.g., state or county).  If the relevant local authority does not review trade name usage requests, please note this in your request to the Broker Management Branch.

Yes. A licensed individual and a licensed corporation, association, or partnership, each have an obligation to file their own triennial status reports. If the business entity files its status report timely but the individual licensee qualifying the business does not file his or her own status report timely, pursuant to 19 CFR 111.30(d), that individual's license may be revoked by operation of law.

An individual licensed qualifier for a corporation, association, or partnership, who loses his or her license, subjects that business entity's license to possible revocation.  Pursuant to 19 CFR 111.45(a), if, during any continuous period of 120 days, the corporation, association, or partnership brokerage firm fails to have at least once officer who holds a valid individual broker's license, that business entity's license and all of its permits will be revoked by operation of law.

It depends.  For a company to engage in "Customs business," that company must generally become its own licensed entity. If the company engages in "Customs business" without a license, as specified in 19 CFR 111.11, the company may be subject to penalties. 19 U.S.C. 1641(b)(6) dictates, for example, that each intentional transaction of customs business without a license creates liability for a monetary penalty of up to $10,000.

Should the company not engage in customs business, however, then it is not necessary to disclose the entity's formation to U.S. Customs & Border Protection.  Nevertheless, other rules and regulations still apply.  For example, if the individual broker outsources ancillary services to the corporation, the corporation must have no access to or involvement in the actual customs business work of the licensed broker. In addition, pursuant to 19 CFR 111.24, broker clients record, and the information contained in those records, must generally not be disclosed to third parties. Third parties include the broker's company, so long as it is its own distinct legal entity, irrespective of ownership structure.

No. Filer codes, which are unique and dedicated, are assigned to individuals, corporations, partnerships, or associations. As such, an individual who later obtains a corporate license to engage in "Customs business" and intends to conduct "Customs business" as a corporation would need to obtain a separate corporate filer code.  The manner of requesting the filer code for the company remains the same as requesting the filer code for the individual.

Yes. A Triennial Status Report (TSR) and fee must be filed for each license that is not cancelled or revoked.  You will file a report for the individual license and a separate report for the corporate license. The system requires you to submit your individual license TSR prior to working on the corporate/organization TSR.

A status report and fee must be submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for each entity holding a valid broker's license (not revoked or canceled) issued any time prior to the reporting year, whether it may be a license for a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, or individual. The paper license may not have yet been received by the licensee. An individually licensed Customs broker who forms a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or association which holds an organization broker license, will be required to submit two reports and fees - one for the individual license, and one for the organization license.

The federal regulations specify that the triennial status report is due by February, every three years, starting from 1985. Based on this information, one can calculate in which years future triennial status reports will be due: 2024, 2027, 2030, and so on. A report that is filed during the month of February in the year in which reporting is due is considered to be filed timely. CBP will begin accepting the status report and the corresponding fee on December 18, 2023. Timely filing for year 2024, for example, can therefore be made between December 18, 2023, and February 29, 2024.

The information required to be provided can be found in 19 CFR 111.30(d). There is no official U.S. Government form for the reporting the required information, however, CBP provides an electronic report and fee submission option. A separate report and a fee must be filed for each license.

No, the Triennial Status Report and fee must be filed for every license issued on or before December 31st, in the year preceding the reporting year.

Depending upon the conditions of a Suspension Agreement enacted between CBP and a licensed broker, the suspended license may not require submission of a status report and fee.

The license processing Center is the physical location of the broker management operations of a Center of Excellence and Expertise that received the license application and delivered the license to you.  

The report and fee should be submitted online, where credit or debit card is accepted*. A link to the Triennial Status Report will be available on our webpage when CBP begins accepting reports/fees. The reporting timeframe is expected to open in mid-December 2023 for the February 2024 triennial status report.
*Note: There are no additional fees for paying online using any acceptable method.

The Modernized Customs Broker Regulations eliminated a broker’s requirement to provide a current list of employees with the TSR filing and added the following TSR filing requirements:

• An individual broker not actively engaged in transacting business as a broker must provide CBP his or her current mailing address.
• An individual broker not actively engaged in transacting business as a broker must affirm he or she continues to meet the applicable requirements.
• A partnership, association, or corporation broker transacting customs business must provide the broker’s office of record.
• A partnership, association, or corporation broker transacting customs business must provide the name of the permit qualifier and the name, address and email address of each licensed member/officer of the organization including the license qualifier.
• A partnership, association, or corporation broker must affirm in their triennial report that they continue to meet all applicable requirements.

The required elements of the report are prescribed in 19 CFR 111.30(d). The electronic submission should contain all data elements licensed customs brokers are required to submit in the Triennial Status Report. Licensed organization customs brokers must upload a document containing the name of the permit qualifier and the name, address and email address of each licensed member/officer of the organization including the license qualifier. The electronic submission allows a PDF, WORD, EXCEL, or CSV document upload of the permit qualifier and licensed member(s)/officer(s) list. See an example template which includes the information required in the uploaded document at (Triennial Status Report Sample File Upload (cbp.gov).

Yes, if the Triennial Status Report and fee is filed online via the eCBP portal, it will satisfy the reporting requirements.

No, you should only have one login.gov account that is used for ALL eCBP portal activities including completing your individual and organization status report.

Individuals are considered to be "actively engaged" in transacting customs business when they are currently transacting or have recently transacted customs business on behalf of others as a sole proprietor, or when they are employed by a licensed Customs broker which is currently transacting or has recently transacted customs business on behalf of others. Those who are employed by a broker but are not directly involved in any activities that fall under the scope of the definition of customs business may report that they are not actively engaged in customs business.
Partnerships, corporations, and associations must also report to CBP in the status report whether or not they are actively engaged in customs business. An organization which currently transacts or recently transacted customs business on behalf of others should report that they are "actively engaged" in customs business.

Yes, you can begin your status report and then come back to finish later. You can save the status report at any point up to and including the uploading of the attachment. The payment information cannot be entered and saved.

No, you must have a login.gov account to access the eCBP portal to submit the triennial report. This is a security measure.

The report must be signed by a licensed officer of the corporation/association or member of the partnership.

The status report has an e-certification section requiring an e-signature. The e-signature must be that of the licensed officer or member.

No, the status report must be completed and e-signed by the individual license holder.

The maximum file size for the upload is 2 megabytes.

The corresponding fee of $100.00 (one hundred dollars) should accompany each status report that is submitted to CBP. Payment by credit or debit card is accepted.
*Note: There are no additional fees for paying online using any acceptable method.

After completion of your status report, you will pay the fee yourself or if you are actively engaged in customs broker business, you may select your customs broker employer to pay the fee. Payment of the fee may be made by credit or debit card. Please note that your status report is not considered submitted until the fee payment has been made.

No, there is no convenience fee for any of the forms of payment.

If the payment is made by the individual, the receipt will be emailed to the email provided in the status report. If the payment is made by the broker employer, the receipt will be emailed to the brokerage employer using the email provided in the organization status report (as well as the payer provided email if applicable) and a payment notification will be emailed to the reporting individual(s) for which payment was made using the email provided in the individual status report.

Your name should appear as it appears on your issued Customs broker license.
Any broker who has undergone a legal name change must submit a written request for a license to be issued in the new name with evidence of their right to use the new legal name to the Broker Management Branch at brokermanagement@cbp.dhs.gov. The absence of a name change request should not prevent a broker from submitting the Triennial Status Report using the name on the license at the time of submission.

You will only be required to submit one Triennial Status Report regardless of a name change. You should complete the status report with the name on the license at the time of submission then pursue requesting an amended license.

The mailing address provided in the status report is official notification to CBP of an address change. However, the Triennial Status Report should not serve as the sole method of address update notification. Whenever you have a change of address, you should contact the processing Center through which your license was delivered to update it with CBP. The license address that CBP has on file is important because it is used to mail the certified notice of suspension if the Triennial Status report is not submitted.

The report must be filed through the eCBP portal and will not be considered received by CBP until payment of the triennial status report fee prescribed in § 111.96(d) is received. If in the process of submitting your TSR through the eCBP portal you encounter difficulties, contact the Rev Mod Service Desk (RMSD).

All valid licenses for which no report has been submitted will be suspended by operation of law on March 1st of any given reporting year. When a license is so suspended, the processing Center will send written notice of the suspension to the broker in March of that same reporting year. The notice will be sent using USPS certified mail to the last known address reflected in CBP records. Note that if the broker has failed to provide the processing Center with a current and accurate mailing address, the suspension notice will, as a result, be mailed to an incorrect address. The broker may tender a status report and fees online or at the processing Center through which the license was delivered within the 60-day suspension notice period. If the status report and fee is submitted within 60 days of notice of suspension, the license will be reinstated.

Unfortunately, if the broker does not submit the status report and fees within 60 days of notice of suspension, pursuant to 19 CFR 111.30(d), the broker's license will be revoked by operation of law. Such licenses are revoked by operation of law without prejudice to the filing of a new application for a license. This means that, while a license which is revoked by operation of law cannot be reinstated, the effected individual may file a new application for a license. However, unless the individual has passed the customs broker license exam within the three years prior to submitting that new application, the individual will need to retake the exam.

The issue date is the date on the physical license you received. The eCBP system validates a user by the license number and issue date that resides in ACE. If the physical license is not yet received, contact the processing Center through which the license was processed. Center Broker Management Officer Contact Information can be found on the Triennial Status Report Sample File Upload (cbp.gov) document page.

Contact the processing Center through which your license was processed.  Center Broker Management Officer Contact Information can be found at Customs Brokers | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov)

Yes. A Triennial Status Report (TSR) and fee must be filed for each license that is not cancelled or revoked. You must file a report for the individual license and a separate report for the corporate license. The eCBP system requires submission of the individual license TSR prior to submitting the corporate/organization TSR.

You must select that you are "actively engaged" in customs business, in order to have the option to select your broker employer to pay your fee.

In the case of an employer that does not transact customs business, each employee holding a broker license must individually submit their TSR and fee.

An authorized employee of the organization may submit the user fee payment.

The annual permit user fee is payable annually by any broker who holds a national permit. The fee collection period begins once the due date is announced in the Federal Register.

The annual user fee due date is announced each year in a Federal Register notice typically in the month of November or December of the year preceding the annual user fee due date. The collection period begins once the due date is published in the Federal Register.

The annual permit user fee amount is published in a Federal Register notice typically in the month of June and effective on October 1 of the year preceding the annual user fee due date.

The annual permit user fee payment should be submitted online, where credit or debit is accepted*. A link to the annual permit user fee payment will be available on our webpage when CBP begins accepting payments.  

*Note: There are no additional fees for paying online using any acceptable method.

No, you must have a login.gov account to access the eCBP portal to submit the annual permit user fee. This is a security measure.

No, there is no convenience fee for any of the forms of payment.

Enter the email of the Sole Proprietor/Organization or an email address that should receive a copy of the receipt on behalf of the Sole Proprietor/Organization.

Yes, the receipt will be emailed to the email provided by the payer and to the Business email provided with the annual user fee submission.

The permit’s Office of Record address provided in the annual user fee payment is official notification to CBP of an address change. The address that CBP has on file is important because it is used for correspondence that is mailed via USPS.

The permit user fee prescribed in § 111.96(c) should be paid through the eCBP portal using credit or debit. If in the process of submitting your payment through the eCBP portal you encounter difficulties, contact the Rev Mod Service Desk (RMSD).

All permits for which no annual user fee payment has been submitted will be revoked by operation of law. The processing Center will send written notice of the revocation to the broker. The notice will be sent by mail to the last known Office of Record address reflected in CBP records. Note that if the broker has failed to provide the processing Center with a current and accurate mailing address, the revocation notice will, as a result, be mailed to an incorrect address.

The processing Center is the physical location of the broker management operations of a Center of Excellence and Expertise (Center) that received the license application and delivered the license to you.  Center Broker Management Officer Contact Information can be found at Customs Brokers | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov).

The eCBP system validates a user by the license number and issue date that resides in ACE.  The license number and issue date are on the physical license you received. In the event you have not yet received your physical license, you may contact your processing Center for the license number and issue date.  Center Broker Management Officer Contact Information can be found at Customs Brokers | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov).