Getting a Customs Broker License
Step #1: Establish the Business Legally
First, you have to establish your business legally, be it a sole proprietorship, partnership, or association. For this you may need to consult your financial adviser or a lawyer specialized in business laws. He would provide you with all the business and legal details about establishing the business legally as per your plan.
Step #2: Determine the Eligibility for Customs Broker License
Once you establish the business you would need one person who has to be an official customs brokers license holder. If it is a sole proprietorship, it is preferable that a proprietor holds the license. In case of association, partnership, and corporation, you may have to select one person who will hold the license. But remember that the chosen candidate has to be a US citizen, at least 12 years old, and should possess good moral character. Also, he must not be a current employee of the Federal government.
Step #3: Prepare for Customs Broker Examination
Now, in order to get a license, you have to start preparing for the broker examination, which is regulated by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) body. You can visit various websites and find out the study material or curriculum for the exam. But the exam generally includes customs related topics, such as, the harmonized tariff schedule of the US, title 19, code of Federal regulations, specified customs directives, customs and trade automated interface requirements documents, etc. So you have to find the study material on these topics, and have to prepare yourself well for the examination.
Step #4: Take up the Customs Broker Examination
You have to appear for this examination usually at the CBP service ports on the first Monday of April and October. If the first Monday is a holiday, then the exam is held on the next day that is Tuesday. You have to send the application form along with required fees to the CBP director at least 30 days before the examination. Or you can inquire about all these details at the CBP office, or visit their website. The test basically, is an open book and objective test containing 80 questions that you have to answer within four hours. The passing score is around 75% or more than that.
Step #5: Apply for the Customs Broker License
Once you receive a letter notifying that you have passed the examination, withing next three years you need to apply for the customs brokers license. You need to fill the application form properly, and send it along with a prescribed fees. You must send the application to the CBP port where you wish to work, or start your business as a customs broker. You may have to provide the CBP with some additional documents as well. Read the rest of this entry »
Permalink Comments off
