From the Federal Register

This document provides notice to customs brokers that the annual user fee that is assessed for each permit held by a customs broker, whether an individual, partnership, association, or corporation, is due no later than January 31, 2025. Pursuant to fee adjustments required by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, the customs broker permit user fee payable for calendar year 2025 will be $180.57.

Payment of the 2025 Customs Broker Permit User Fee is due no later than January 31, 2025.

Customs brokers may either submit the fee through the eCBP portal or submit the fee at the processing Center, as defined in 19 CFR 111.1, in accordance with the remittance procedures in 19 CFR 24.22(i). CBP encourages customs brokers to pay the annual customs broker permit user fee electronically via the eCBP portal, located at https://e.cbp.dhs.gov/​brokers/​#/​home. Customs brokers who are first time users of the eCBP portal must create a Login.gov account. Instructions and training resources, such as user and quick reference guides, for customs brokers on how to create a Login.gov account and how to use the eCBP portal can be found on CBP’s website at https://www.cbp.gov/​trade/​eCBP.

I just reviewed a draft of an applicant’s appeal of 2 questions on the October CBLE (Customs Broker License Exam). I admire the applicant’s diligence and tenacity but disagreed with their justifications for the appeal.

We are well within the 60 day period for first appeals, but let me suggest a different strategy. If you are considering an appeal you are most likely very close to a passing grade and hoping to gain a reversal on a small number of incorrect answers.

In fact it is very difficult to gain additional points upon appeal, and preparing a compelling argument is time consuming. I know many brokers who have passed the exam on a second attempt. So, since you came close to passing the exam on October 23rd, a better use of your time would be to begin preparing to pass the April exam instead of appealing your recent score.

If you choose to appeal here is some info from the CBP website: 

The applicant must submit a compelling argument why his or her answer is correct or why the appealed question has no possible correct answer.

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/customs-brokers/how-appeal

Congratulations once again to all who passed the October 2024 Customs Broker License Exam.

It may come as a surprise that it can take up to a year before your license is issued. In addition to a passing grade on the CBLE, eligibility to become a customs broker requires applicants to be a US citizen at least 21 years of age, not be a current Federal Government employee, and possess good moral character.

Character is determined by an extensive background investigation. From the CBP website:

“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.”

Licensed Customs Brokers, via their entry filings, are responsible for the assessment of revenue for the United States in the form of duties and taxes. They must also ensure that they, and their clients, comply with the laws and regulations in all transactions. So the background check is more than a mere formality. Be patient applicants!

The October 23, 2024 CBLE (Customs Broker License Exam) resulted in a 24% pass rate prior to appeal decisions. Previous pass rate information is listed below. The exam and answer key will be posted on the CBP website.

Congratulations to all who passed! You are now eligible to go through the application process, background check, and fingerprinting to obtain your license. The process can be lengthy, so be patient.

Many brokers have needed more than one try, so don’t be discouraged if you came up short. If you want to challenge any of the questions here is the link explaining how to appeal.

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/customs-brokers/how-appeal

Pass Rate Information

The October 23, 2024 CBLE resulted in a 24% pass rate prior to appeal decisions.

The May 1, 2024 CBLE resulted in a 13% pass rate prior to appeal decisions.

The October 25, 2023 CBLE resulted in a 34% pass rate prior to appeal decisions.

Always amazed how casually some importers handle HTS classifications. This is definitely customs business requiring a licensed broker if classifying beyond the 6 digit level.

Importers Beware