All posts by mitch

Nuts & Bolts

LinkedIn Comments- Customs Brokers

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dominic-mcgough-9a65741_riskmanagement-activity-7359931488064217088-UeWV?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAGVD3UBu7RY4T4x68-aqSLyiBDvybv-4A0

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7359931488064217088?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A%28activity%3A7359931488064217088%2C7359960035277303808%29&dashCommentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_comment%3A%287359960035277303808%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7359931488064217088%29

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7359931488064217088?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A%28activity%3A7359931488064217088%2C7359960035277303808%29&replyUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A%28activity%3A7359931488064217088%2C7360052020457693185%29&dashCommentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_comment%3A%287359960035277303808%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7359931488064217088%29&dashReplyUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_comment%3A%287360052020457693185%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7359931488064217088%29

Nuts & Bolts

Next CBLE

No one wants to think about the Customs Broker License Exam in the middle of summer. If you like to plan ahead, however, here is some info about the October 2025 exam.

The next CBLE will be administered on October 22, 2025. Registration for the October 22, 2025 CBLE begins on Monday, August 11, 2025 and ends at 4:30 PM Eastern on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. For additional examination information use the Register Now! link below.

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

Nuts & Bolts

Interactive CCL

BIS (Bureau of Industry and Security) released an updated version of the Interactive CCL earlier this year. In my opinion the new version is much more user friendly than previous editions. It is easier to search by keywords and browse ECCN entries. Navigating and comparing the entries is still pretty time consuming, however.

Here is the link to the CCL:

https://www.bis.gov/regulations/ear/interactive-commerce-control-list?isExpanded=&category=&keyword=

Nuts & Bolts

What’s Your Currency

Did you know? The dollar symbol, $, is used by quite a few countries around the globe, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Hong Kong.

Currency designation is required information on Commercial Invoices. If your transaction is in US dollars indicate USD on the CI. The dollar sign alone is not sufficient and will most likely cause a delay in customs.

Nuts & Bolts

Time to Check HTS Codes

The uncertainty about tariffs makes validating HTS codes more important than ever.

Clients often say “we’ve used the same harmonized codes for years” and “our products are duty free“. As a Licensed Customs Broker and consultant this tells me that I need to do some checking on the client’s behalf. Using obsolete or invalid HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) codes is a sign of an amateurish operation. It is likely that, for these clients, commercial invoice descriptions need updating. If they are also an exporter we should check ECCNs, License Exceptions, and Schedule B numbers as well.

The HTS has been revised 15 times so far in 2025. Here is the link to the revisions for your reference:

https://hts.usitc.gov/download/archive

Don’t assume that your codes are valid. A little due diligence helps avoid problems down the road. Contact mitch@adhoclogistics.com for assistance.

Nuts & Bolts

A Reminder About Classification

Tariff uncertainty is the biggest issue in international trade today and, undoubtedly, for the foreseeable future. It is not easy to determine which commodities are subject to specific tariffs. Here is a reminder that the first step is accurate classification of the goods. This is “customs business” and must be carried out by a licensed customs broker (unless classifying solely on your own behalf).

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/adhoclogistics_customs-business-what-is-customs-business-activity-7320068799938846720-9jjx?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAGVD3UBu7RY4T4x68-aqSLyiBDvybv-4A0