Registration for the April 23, 2025 Customs Broker License Exam (CBLE) opened on February 10th. The exam is notoriously difficult to pass so, if you plan to sit for it, don’t procrastinate. You have a little more than 60 days to prepare and you will need them all.

The CBLE pass rates were 24% in October 2024, 13% in May 2024, and 34% in October 2023. In previous years the rates were typically less than 15%.

For comparison purposes, the pass rate for the 2023 bar exam in the US was about 58%. Most law students take the exam shortly after completing three years of law school, however, while CBLE candidates may have been out of school for some time.

CPA- Certified Public Accountant and CFA- Chartered Financial Analyst exam pass rates vary by section but are usually around 50-60%.

Reach out to the Customs Broker Exam Assistance Group on LinkedIn for support and study tips.

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12862151

Registration opens tomorrow Feb 10th.

The next CBLE will be administered April 23, 2025. Registration for this examination will open on February 10, 2025 and will close at 4:30 pm (Eastern time) on March 12, 2025. See the “How do I register?” tab for a link to the exam registration portal. 

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/customs-brokers/license-examination-notice-examination/cble-registration-information

I often hear from frustrated exporters about shipments “stuck” in customs. The shipments may include critical parts needed for an equipment or plant shutdown, expensive high tech components not generally carried in inventory, or medical instruments for hospitals. Delayed orders also mean delayed payments, which gets everyone’s attention. Most exporters rely on their freight forwarders to review the documentation of their shipments. However, details can be easily overlooked, so here are a few best practices for exporters to check before tendering shipments to forwarders.

The data used in customs entries comes primarily from the commercial invoice for the transaction. All countries have different, and sometimes obscure, customs regulations. It is true, however, that most delays are caused by a few commercial invoice errors or omissions.

Commodity descriptions should answer the questions: What is it? What is it made of? What is it used for? Use plain language which can be understood by anyone. Avoid trade names, brand names, or part numbers in the description. These can be added below the description or to the packing list if needed. If using a harmonized code consider entering only the first 6 digits, which are universal. All countries apply their own last 4 or 6 digits.

Value for customs may appear to be questionable for the commodity being shipped. The customs agencies in the destination country need to make sure that duty rates are accurate and will hold up the shipment if in doubt. Make sure that your commercial invoice reflects the correct transaction value and that you can clearly justify the valuation method.

Importer of record (IOR) contact info is often lacking on the commercial invoice. Customs in the importing country will not contact the exporter if they have questions or issues. If they are unable to contact the IOR the shipment will go into storage. Make sure you include recipient name, address, phone number, and e mail address on your CI as well as complete customs broker contact info.

Contact mitch@adhoclogistics.com  for immediate assistance.