What Every Member of the 

Trade Community Should Know About: 

Customs Brokers 

AN INFORMED COMPLIANCE PUBLICATION 

JANUARY 2005 
Customs Brokers 

January 2005

NOTICE:

This publication is intended to provide guidance and information to the trade community. 

It reflects the position on or interpretation of the applicable laws or regulations by U.S.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as of the date of publication, which is shown on 

the front cover. It does not in any way replace or supersede those laws or regulations.

Only the latest official version of the laws or regulations is authoritative. 

Publication History 

Revised: January 2005 

First Published: March 2000 

PRINTING NOTE: 

This publication was designed for electronic distribution via the CBP website 

(http://www.cbp.gov) and is being distributed in a variety of formats. It was originally set

up in Microsoft Word97®. Pagination and margins in downloaded versions may vary 

depending upon which word processor or printer you use. If you wish to maintain the 

original settings, you may wish to download the .pdf version, which can then be printed 

using the freely available Adobe Acrobat Reader®. 

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PREFACE 

On December 8, 1993, Title VI of the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation 

Act (Pub. L. 103-182, 107 Stat. 2057), also known as the Customs Modernization or “Mod” Act, 

became effective. These provisions amended many sections of the Tariff Act of 1930 and 

related laws. 

Two new concepts that emerge from the Mod Act are “informed compliance” and “shared 

responsibility,” which are premised on the idea that in order to maximize voluntary compliance 

with laws and regulations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the trade community needs to 

be clearly and completely informed of its legal obligations. Accordingly, the Mod Act imposes a

greater obligation on CBP to provide the public with improved information concerning the trade

community's rights and responsibilities under customs regulations and related laws. In addition, 

both the trade and U.S. Customs and Border Protection share responsibility for carrying out

these requirements. For example, under Section 484 of the Tariff Act, as amended (19 U.S.C. 

1484), the importer of record is responsible for using reasonable care to enter, classify and

determine the value of imported merchandise and to provide any other information necessary to

enable U.S. Customs and Border Protection to properly assess duties, collect accurate

statistics, and determine whether other applicable legal requirements, if any, have been met.

CBP is then responsible for fixing the final classification and value of the merchandise. An

importer of record’s failure to exercise reasonable care could delay release of the merchandise

and, in some cases, could result in the imposition of penalties. 

The Office of Regulations and Rulings (ORR) has been given a major role in meeting the 

informed compliance responsibilities of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In order to

provide information to the public, CBP has issued a series of informed compliance publications, 

and videos, on new or revised requirements, regulations or procedures, and a variety of

classification and valuation issues. 

This publication, prepared by the International Trade Compliance Division, ORR, is part of a 

series of informed compliance publications advising the public of new or revised regulations or

procedures. We sincerely hope that this material, together with seminars and increased access 

to rulings of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, will help the trade community to improve

voluntary compliance with customs laws and to understand the relevant administrative 

processes. 

The material in this publication is provided for general information purposes only. Because 

many complicated factors can be involved in customs issues, an importer may wish to obtain a

ruling under Regulations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 19 C.F.R. Part 177, or to

obtain advice from an expert who specializes in customs matters, for example, a licensed

customs broker, attorney or consultant. 

Comments and suggestions are welcomed and should be addressed to the Assistant 

Commissioner at the Office of Regulations and Rulings, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, (Mint Annex), Washington, D.C. 20229. 

Michael T. Schmitz, 

Assistant Commissioner 

Office of Regulations and Rulings 

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NOTE ON SPELLING, HYPHENATION AND CAPITALIZATION 

Over the years, the spelling and hyphenation of “customhouse” has varied. Government and 

trade publications and even statutes refer to “custom-house,” “customhouse,” or “Custom 

House.” The hyphenated form “custom-house” was preferred in the nineteenth century, while

the non-hyphenated form “customhouse” became popular in the twentieth century. The twoword form was often found on signs and buildings. The variations “Customs House,” and 

“customshouse” were never officially sanctioned, but nonetheless, appear in some publications. 

In this publication, we generally use “customhouse”, except in quoted material where the format

appears as in the original material quoted. 

In recent U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) publications, “Customs” is capitalized 

when referring to a CBP officer, the CBP organization, or a specific building such as the New 

York Customhouse, but is usually not capitalized when referring to customs duties, customs 

bonds or customhouses in general. The practice has varied since 1789, and consistency is 

often missing. In this publication, the current practice is followed except in quoted material 

where the format appears as in the original material.

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INTRODUCTION........................................................................................10

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND..................................................................10

SUMMARY OF THE CURRENT STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS...........14

EFFECT OF CUSTOMS SERVICE REORGANIZATION ON BROKERS 16

GENERAL PROVISIONS ..........................................................................18

Definitions .................................................................................................................. 18

LICENSE AND DISTRICT PERMIT REQUIRED.......................................20

License....................................................................................................................... 20

Permit......................................................................................................................... 21

Transacting customs business without a license........................................................ 22

Representation before Government agencies............................................................ 22

PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN LICENSE OR PERMIT..................................22

Licenses ..................................................................................................................... 22

Individual broker’s license .......................................................................................... 22

Partnership................................................................................................................. 22

Association or Corporation ......................................................................................... 23

Application for license ................................................................................................ 23

Written examination for individual license .................................................................. 24

Appeal of failing grade on examination ...................................................................... 25

Investigation of the license applicant.......................................................................... 25

Issuance of license..................................................................................................... 26

Denial of license......................................................................................................... 26

Review of the denial of a license................................................................................ 26

Reapplication for license ............................................................................................ 27

Permits ....................................................................................................................... 27

Responsible supervision and control.......................................................................... 28

Decision on permit...................................................................................................... 28

National permit ........................................................................................................... 28

Review of permit denial.............................................................................................. 29

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CUSTOMS BROKERS...............29

Record of transactions ............................................................................................... 29

Retention of records................................................................................................... 29

Consolidated records ................................................................................................. 30

Records confidential................................................................................................... 30

Records must be available ......................................................................................... 30

Responsible supervision ............................................................................................ 31

Employee information................................................................................................. 31

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Termination of qualifying member or officer ............................................................... 32

Change in ownership.................................................................................................. 32

Diligence in correspondence and paying monies ....................................................... 32

Notification of change of business address, organization, name, or location of 

business records; status report; termination of brokerage business .......................... 33

Conflict of interest....................................................................................................... 35

False information........................................................................................................ 35

Government records................................................................................................... 35

Undue influence upon Department of Homeland Security employees ....................... 36

Acceptance of fees from attorneys............................................................................. 36

Relations with unlicensed persons ............................................................................. 36

Misuse of license or permit......................................................................................... 37

False representation to procure employment ............................................................. 37

Advice to client ........................................................................................................... 37

Protests ...................................................................................................................... 37

Endorsement of checks.............................................................................................. 37

Relations with person who is notoriously disreputable or whose license is under 

suspension, canceled "with prejudice," or revoked..................................................... 38

Revocation by operation of law .................................................................................. 38

License....................................................................................................................... 38

Permit......................................................................................................................... 38

CANCELLATION, SUSPENSION, OR REVOCATION OF LICENSE OR 

PERMIT, AND MONETARY PENALTY IN LIEU OF SUSPENSION OR 

REVOCATION ...........................................................................................39

General ...................................................................................................................... 39

Cancellation of license or permit ................................................................................ 39

Without prejudice ....................................................................................................... 39

With prejudice ............................................................................................................ 39

Voluntary suspension of license or permit.................................................................. 40

Grounds for suspension or revocation of license or permit ........................................ 40

Investigation of complaints ......................................................................................... 40

Review of report on investigation ............................................................................... 41

Determination by Assistant Commissioner................................................................. 41

DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS ..............................................................41

Content of statement of charges ................................................................................ 41

Preliminary proceedings............................................................................................. 41

Request for additional information.............................................................................. 42

Decision on preliminary proceedings.......................................................................... 42

Contents of notice of charges..................................................................................... 42

Service of notice and statement of charges ............................................................... 43

Service of notice of hearing and other papers............................................................ 43

Extension of time for hearing...................................................................................... 44

Failure to appear ........................................................................................................ 44

Hearing....................................................................................................................... 44

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Proposed findings and conclusions............................................................................ 44

Recommended decision by hearing officer ................................................................ 45

Additional submissions............................................................................................... 45

Immaterial mistakes ................................................................................................... 45

Dismissal subject to new proceedings........................................................................ 45

Decision and notice of suspension or revocation or monetary penalty....................... 45

Appeal from the Secretary's decision ......................................................................... 46

Reopening the case ................................................................................................... 46

Notice of vacated or modified order............................................................................ 47

Reprimands................................................................................................................ 47

Employment of broker who has lost license ............................................................... 47

Settlement and compromise....................................................................................... 47

MONETARY PENALTY AND PAYMENT OF FEES .................................48

Penalties .................................................................................................................... 48

Grounds for imposition of a monetary penalty; maximum penalty.............................. 48

Notice of monetary penalty......................................................................................... 48

Petition for relief from monetary penalty..................................................................... 48

Decision on monetary penalty .................................................................................... 48

Supplemental petition for relief from monetary penalty .............................................. 49

Fees ........................................................................................................................... 49

License fee; examination fee; fingerprint fee.............................................................. 49

Permit fee................................................................................................................... 49

User fee...................................................................................................................... 49

Status report fee......................................................................................................... 50

Method of payment..................................................................................................... 50

Fee Summary Chart................................................................................................... 50

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...................................................................51

The Internet................................................................................................................ 51

Customs Regulations ................................................................................................. 51

Customs Bulletin ........................................................................................................ 51

Importing Into the United States................................................................................. 52

Informed Compliance Publications............................................................................. 52

Value Publications...................................................................................................... 53

“Your Comments are Important”................................................................................. 54

 

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INTRODUCTION 

When goods are imported into the customs territory of the United States (the fifty states, 

the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico), they are subject to certain formalities 

involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) (formerly known as U.S. Customs

Service). In almost all cases, the goods are required to be “entered,” that is, declared to 

CBP, and are subject to detention and examination by CBP officers to ensure 

compliance with all laws and regulations enforced or administered by CBP. 

When a formal “entry of merchandise” is made under the provisions of 19 U.S.C. §1484,

the required documentation or information is required to be filed or electronically

transmitted by the “importer of record.” Under the statute, the “importer of record” is 

either the owner or purchaser of the merchandise or, when appropriately designated by 

the owner, purchaser, or consignee of the merchandise, a person holding a valid license

as a customs broker. As part of the entry process, goods must be “classified”

(determined where in the U.S. tariff system they fall) and their value must be 

determined. Pursuant to the Customs Modernization Act, it is now the responsibility of

the importer of record to use “reasonable care” to “enter,” “classify”, and “value” the 

goods, and provide any other information necessary to enable CBP to properly assess

duties, collect accurate statistics, and determine whether all other applicable legal 

requirements are met. These requirements can be complex. In order to assist importers 

in meeting their responsibilities, importers may employ experts within their organizations 

or seek advice or services from outside experts such as customs brokers, attorneys

who specialize in customs matters or consultants. Of these outside experts, only 

customs brokers may actually prepare and file entry documentation, because the 

preparation and filing of entry documentation constitutes “customs business” which, by

statute, may be performed on behalf of others only by a licensed customs broker. 

This informed compliance publication explains the historical background that led to the 

current licensing and permit regime, and discusses, in detail, the recently revised 

procedures to become a customs broker, the duties and responsibilities of a customs 

broker, and the procedures for disciplining a customs broker. 

Today’s customs broker is a federally licensed, highly regulated professional who offers 

many services to the international trade community. However, as evidenced by the 

following historical discussion, this was not always the case. 

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 

Section 36 of the Act of March 2, 1799 provided that the owner(s) or consignee(s) or “in 

case of his, her, or their absence or sickness, his, her, or their known agent or factor, in 

his, her, or their names, shall make entry thereof...”. According to Article 193 of the 

Customs Regulations of 1857, 

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The manifest intent of this clause was to compel the original consignee to enter 

the goods, and the whole object of the act would be defeated by allowing a mere 

stranger to make entry or take the oath prescribed on the entry. 

By the mid 1850’s, a practice had arisen at many ports where an importer or consignee 

endorsed the bill of lading over to a tradesman, variously called a “customhouse broker” 

or “express agent”, who then filed the entry documents. These brokers or agents were 

unregulated and made entry in their own names, rather than as an agent for the original 

consignee. This apparently led to many problems, including frauds on the revenue, and 

Article 194 of the Customs Regulations of 1857 addressed the issue by stating: 

The practice of allowing custom-house brokers, express agents, and other 

parties, not the owner or original consignees, to make entries of merchandise in 

their own names, on the production of bill of lading endorsed by the importer or 

consignee, is in contravention of the express provisions of law and the decisions

of the courts, and will therefore be discontinued. Entry must, in all cases, be 

made by the owner or consignee, who alone is authorized, under our revenue 

system, to take the prescribed oath, give the requisite bond, and pay the duties;

and in cases where, from either of the causes averted to in the act [absence or

sickness], the owner or consignee may be unable to attend personally at the 

custom-house, he will be required to be represented by a duly constituted agent 

or attorney, whose power must be lodged with the collector, who will make entry 

and perform all the necessary acts in the owners name, giving bond for the due 

production of his oath. 

Although the customs laws and regulations continued to restrict the right to make entry

until the late nineteenth century, the basically unregulated business of customhouse 

broker continued to grow as trade expanded. Experienced brokers knew their way

around the customhouse and were familiar with the forms and legal requirements. With

a properly executed power of attorney, they could act as the importer’s agent and file 

entries in the importer’s name. The importer, of course, remained legally responsible, 

since the customhouse broker was an agent of the importer. 

Customhouse brokers were filling a void and providing a much needed service. 

Unfortunately, not every broker was honest, and several of the Treasury Decisions and 

Solicitor of the Treasury’s opinions of the time addressed integrity 

concerns. As a result, the necessity of government licensing and regulation of the 

industry became apparent. There was also recognition that unregulated “agents” should 

not be permitted to transact customs business. 

Section 23 of the Act of August 27, 1894 (28 Stat. Chap 349) provided: 

“That the collector or chief officer of the customs at any port of entry or delivery

shall issue a license to any reputable and competent person desiring to transact 

business as a custom-house broker. Such license shall be granted for a period of

one year, and may be revoked for cause at any time by the Secretary of the 

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Treasury. From and after the first day of August, eighteen hundred and ninetyfour, no person shall transact business as a custom-house broker without a 

license granted in accordance with its provision; but this Act shall not be so 

construed as to prohibit any importer from transacting business at a customhouse pertaining to his own importations. (emphasis added) 

These provisions continued until passage of the Act of June 10, 1910 (36 Stat. 464).

The 1910 Act changed the standard from “any reputable and competent person” to “any

person of good moral character.” The Act of 1910 provided in part that: 

“the collector or chief officer of the customs at any port of entry or delivery shall, 

upon application, issue to any person of good moral character, being a citizen of 

the United States a license to transact business as a customhouse broker in the

collection district in which such license is issued, and on and after sixty days from

the approval of this act no person shall transact business as a customhouse 

broker without a license granted in accordance with its provision, but this act 

shall not be so construed as to prohibit any person from transacting business at a 

customhouse pertaining to his own importations. (emphasis added) 

By statute, the term “person” was defined to include persons, co-partnerships,

associations, joint-stock associations and corporations. The 1910 Act also authorized 

the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations necessary or convenient for 

carrying the Act into effect. Broker regulations were originally promulgated as Treasury

Decisions and later consolidated into the customs regulations. The regulations generally

tracked the statute, but did require licensed brokers to submit employee lists, written

authorizations for employees to act, and required brokers “to exercise such discipline as 

will insure proper conduct on the part of their employees in the transaction of customs

business, and will be held strictly responsible for the acts of such employees.” 

The Act further provided the Secretary of the Treasury with the authority to revoke the 

license after notice and an administrative hearing on the record if charges were brought 

for “good and sufficient reasons” by the “collector or chief officer of customs.” Provisions

were made for judicial appeals to the local United States Circuit Court (later renamed 

District Court), which was to decide the appeal on the merits as disclosed by the record.

The decision of the Court was final and the case was to be remanded to the Secretary

to take further action in accordance with the terms of the court’s decree. 

The statutory scheme established in the 1910 Act continued until enactment of the Tariff 

Act of 1930. The original section 641 of that act gave the Secretary of the Treasury 

more control over the licensing function. In addition to a requirement of good moral 

character, the Secretary could require the showing “of such facts as he may deem

advisable as to the qualifications of the applicant to render valuable service to importers

and exporters.” Two individually licensed officers or partners were required for the 

issuance of corporate, association and partnership licenses which were deemed 

revoked if sixty days passed without meeting such requirement. Detailed provisions for 

revocations and suspensions “based on good and sufficient reasons” and specific time

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periods for notices were set forth in the legislation. Appeals were to be heard by the 

United States Customs Court, which was to decide the case on the merits as disclosed 

by the administrative record. A timely appeal served to stay the suspension or 

revocation. The implementing Customs Regulations of 1931 included provisions for

requiring applicants to pass an oral or written examination to show their knowledge of

the customs laws, regulations and procedures. 

Over the years, the statutes and regulations governing customhouse brokers were 

revised. Major changes occurred under the Anti-Smuggling Act of 1935, the Trade and 

Tariff Act of 1984, and title VI (Customs Modernization) of the NAFTA Implementation 

Act in 1993. 

The Anti-Smuggling Act of 1935 allowed the Secretary to revoke or suspend the license 

of a customhouse broker “shown to be incompetent, disreputable, or has refused to 

comply with the rules and regulations” governing customhouse brokers, or “who has

with intent to defraud, in any manner willfully and knowingly deceived, misled, or

threatened any importer, exporter, claimant, or client, or prospective importer, exporter, 

claimant, or client, by word, circular, letter or by advertisement.” Appeals from the 

Secretary’s decision were moved to the United States Court of Appeals, which was

required to accept the Secretary’s findings of the facts (provided they were supported by

substantial evidence), although the legislation included provisions allowing the court to 

remand the action to the U.S. Customs Service for additional taking of evidence.

Appeals to the Supreme Court were also authorized in the law. During the judicial 

appeals process, the Secretary’s revocation or suspension order was stayed “unless

specifically ordered by the court.” In addition to authority to promulgate implementing 

regulations, the 1935 Act also specifically authorized the Secretary to prescribe 

regulations: 

• to protect importers and the revenue of the United States; 

• establishing recordkeeping and accounting requirements; 

• requiring inspection of brokers, their papers, documents and correspondence;

and 

• requiring the furnishing by brokers of “information relating to their business” to 

any duly accredited agent of the United States. 

Except for references to collectors, these provisions remained substantially unchanged

until the enactment of Public Law 95-410 in 1978, which established the requirement of 

brokers to file triennial reports that indicated whether the licensed broker was actively

engaged in business as a customhouse broker, and the name and address at which 

customhouse business was being conducted. In 1980 the Court of International Trade

was given jurisdiction over appeals from the Secretary. 

A major revision of section 641 occurred in the Trade and Tariff Act of 1984. The main 

broker provisions of that Act were: 

• a change in title from customhouse broker to customs broker; 

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• a definition of “customs business”; 

• changing the requirement from a separate license in each district to a single 

national license and a permit for each district in which the broker conducts

customs business, provided that the district offices regularly employ a licensed 

broker to exercise responsible supervision and control over the district business 

(which requirement can be waived if there is a regularly employed licensed 

broker in the region and the company has sufficient procedures to exercise 

responsible supervision and control over the district business) and establishment 

of a 180-day period before a permit is revoked by operation of law when a 

licensed broker is no longer employed in the district (or region, as applicable); 

• a listing of examination topics for individual applicants; 

• allowing corporate, association or partnership applicants to have only one 

licensed officer or partner (rather than the previously required two) and extending 

the period from 60 days to 120 days before a license is revoked by operation of 

law when a licensed officer or partner is no longer employed; 

• establishment of a monetary penalty of up to $10,000 for each transaction of 

customs business by an unlicensed person; 

• detailed procedures and reasons for disciplinary proceedings against brokers; 

• establishment of a monetary penalty not to exceed $30,000 for a violation or 

violations of section 641, and procedures for: notice prior to assessment, for 

assessment, and remission or mitigation such penalties;

• requirements for an administrative law judge to preside over suspension or 

revocation hearings and detailed hearing procedures; 

• authority to use a monetary penalty of up to $30,000 in lieu of suspension or 

revocation and the ability to settle and compromise disciplinary proceedings; 

• establishment of a statute of limitations requiring the notice of charges to be 

served within 5 years from the date the alleged violation was committed (or 5 

years from discovery if fraud was alleged); 

• establishment of detailed judicial appeals procedures in the Court of International 

Trade with time limits after which the Court would lack jurisdiction; 

• expanded authority for the Secretary to promulgate regulations governing 

brokers, but limited to their customs business; 

• continuation of triennial reporting with provisions suspending licenses for failure

to timely file and allowing the revocation without prejudice, after notice, of 

licenses if the reports are not filed within a 60-day period; 

• authority for the Secretary to prescribe reasonable fees and charges (including 

but not limited to licensing and examination) to defray Customs Service 

expenses in carrying out the provisions of section 641. 

SUMMARY OF THE CURRENT STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Section 641 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1641), provides that a 

person must hold a valid customs broker's license and permit in order to transact

customs business on behalf of others. It sets forth standards for the issuance of broker's 

licenses and permits, provides for disciplinary action against brokers in the form of 

suspension or revocation of such licenses and permits or assessment of monetary 

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penalties, and provides for the assessment of monetary penalties against other persons

for conducting customs business without the required broker's license. Section 641 also 

authorizes the Secretary to prescribe rules and regulations relating to the customs 

business of brokers as may be necessary to protect importers and the revenue of the 

United States and to carry out the provisions of section 641. 

The regulations issued under the authority of section 641 are set forth in Part 111 of the 

CBP Regulations (19 CFR Part 111). Part 111 includes detailed rules regarding the 

licensing of, and granting of permits to, persons desiring to transact customs business 

as customs brokers, including the qualifications required of applicants and the 

procedures for applying for licenses and permits. Part 111 also prescribes 

recordkeeping and other duties and responsibilities of brokers, sets forth in detail the 

grounds and procedures for the revocation or suspension of broker licenses and permits

and for the assessment of monetary penalties, and sets forth fee payment requirements 

applicable to brokers under section 641 and 19 U.S.C. 58c(a)(7). 

On December 8, 1993, amendments to certain customs and navigation laws became 

effective as the result of enactment of the North American Free Trade Agreement

Implementation Act, Public Law 103-182, 107 Stat. 2057. Title VI of the Act set forth 

Customs Modernization provisions (“the modest”) that included, in section 648, certain 

amendments to section 641 of the Tariff Act of 1930. The substantive amendments to 

section 641 were as follows: 

• the definition of "customs business" was amended to include “the preparation of

documents or forms in any format and the electronic transmission of documents, 

invoices, bills, or parts thereof, intended to be filed with the Customs Service in 

furtherance of [the customs business activities already listed], whether or not 

signed or filed by the preparer, or activities relating to such preparation, but does 

not include the mere electronic transmission of data received for transmission to 

Customs"; 

• inclusion of a provision for the issuance of a national permit for the conduct of 

such customs business as the Secretary prescribes by regulation; 

• a new subsection was added to provide that when electronic filing (including 

remote location filing) of entry information with the Customs Service at any

location is implemented by the Secretary pursuant to the provisions of the 

National Customs Automation Program (codified at 19 U.S.C. 1411-1414), a 

licensed broker may appoint another licensed broker who holds a permit in a 

customs district to act on its behalf as its subagent in that district if such activity 

relates to the filing of information that is permitted to be filed electronically. That 

subsection also provides that the broker who appoints a subagent remains liable 

for all obligations arising under bond and for all duties, taxes and fees, and for 

any other liabilities imposed by law, and cannot delegate such liability to the 

subagent, the procedures for the suspension or revocation of a broker's license 

or permit were amended to increase to 30 days the period within which a hearing 

is to be held after written notice of a hearing is provided to the broker; 

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• a provision was added which states that the Secretary may not prohibit customs 

brokers from limiting their liability to other persons in the conduct of customs

business; 

• provisions were added which allow all data required to be retained by a customs 

broker to be kept on microfilm, optical disc, magnetic tapes, disks or drums,

video files or any other electrically generated medium; and which permit, 

pursuant to regulations, the conversion of data to such storage medium at any 

time subsequent to the relevant customs transaction and permitting the data to 

be retained in a centralized basis according to such broker's business system. 

On August 6, 2002, Section 343(a), Trade Act of 2002 (116 Stat. 933), was enacted, 

requiring that the Secretary endeavor to promulgate final regulations (see Final Rule, 68 

FR 68140, December 5, 2003) providing for the mandatory collection of electronic cargo 

information by the Customs Service (now CBP) either prior to the arrival of the cargo in 

the United States or its departure from the United States by any mode of commercial 

transportation (sea, air, rail or truck). Under these regulations, customs brokers are 

authorized to provide information about cargo that is determined to be reasonably 

necessary to enable identification of high-risk shipments arriving in the United States by

air or truck, so as to ensure cargo safety and security and prevent smuggling pursuant 

to the laws that are enforced and administered by CBP.

EFFECT OF CUSTOMS SERVICE REORGANIZATION ON BROKERS 

On September 27, 1995, the U.S. Customs Service published the following documents 

in the Federal Register as a result of changes in the Customs Headquarters and field 

organizational structure: 

• T.D. 95-77 (60 FR 50008) amended the customs regulations on an interim basis. 

The amendments included extensive changes to the basic Customs Service field 

organization, involving the elimination of regions and districts for most purposes

so that ports of entry would constitute the foundation of the Customs Service field 

structure, and would be empowered with most of the functions and authority that 

had been held in the district and regional offices and also involving the 

designation of some ports as service ports having a full range of cargo 

processing functions, including inspection, entry, collection, and verification. The 

background portion of T.D. 95-77 pointed out that districts and regions would still 

exist as geographical descriptions for limited purposes such as for broker permits 

and certain cartage and lighterage purposes, and T.D. 95-77 therefore set forth 

certain additional regulatory changes in order to reflect this fact; these changes

included the addition of definitions for “district," "district director" and "region" in § 

111.1 (19 CFR 111.1) to enable the current statutory broker licensing and 

permitting schemes to operate; 

• T.D. 95-78 (60 FR 50020) also amended the customs regulations on an interim 

basis and involved nomenclature changes. The T.D. 95-78 changes, in most 

cases, involved the replacement of outdated references with newer references to 

reflect the changes to the Customs Service Headquarters and field organizational 

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structure. The majority of these changes involved replacing "district" with "port" 

and replacing "district director" with "port director," or some variation thereof. The 

T.D. 95-78 changes involved almost every part within the customs regulations 

(19 CFR Customs Brokers Chapter I) and included a large number of changes to 

Part 111; 

• A general notice (60 FR 49971) informed the public of the geographic areas

covered for purposes of customs broker permits and for certain cartage and 

lighterage purposes where the word "district" appears in the customs regulations. 

Based on a review of the changes to section 641 made by the Mod Act, the Customs

Service determined that the Part 111 regulatory texts should be amended as follows: 

• to reflect the change to the definition of "customs business"; 

• to provide for the issuance of national permits; 

• to reflect the 30-day period within which a suspension or revocation hearing is to 

be held; 

• to implement the proscription against prohibiting a broker from limiting its liability 

to other persons; and 

• to reflect the amended recordkeeping provisions. 

With regard to the appointment of subagents as authorized under amended section 

641(c)(4), the Customs Service determined that it would be premature to amend Part

111 at this time. It concluded that it would be preferable to address this issue at such

time as related NCAP test procedures have been concluded, appropriate programming 

enhancements have become operational, and appropriate regulatory proposals have

been formulated. 

The Customs Service also performed a general review of Part 111 to determine whether 

other regulatory changes should be made. Based on that review, it identified a number 

of other areas where significant improvement could be made to the existing regulatory 

texts. These improvements included: 

• the elimination of obsolete or otherwise unnecessary provisions; 

• the addition of new provisions where the regulations appeared to be incomplete 

or were otherwise in need of clarification; 

• further textual changes arising out of the reorganization of the Customs Service 

that were not fully addressed in the district/port terminology changes made by 

T.D. 95-77 and T.D. 95-78, including some changes to those previouslypublished changes and particularly in order to clarify certain procedural aspects

of the regulations (for example, where to file permit applications and broker

status reports and where to pay permit user fees); and 

• a large number of non-substantive, editorial changes to improve the precision 

and clarity of the regulations, ranging from the reorganization or complete

redrafting of existing texts to minor word changes within a particular regulatory 

provision. 

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Customs Brokers 

January 2005

Based on the above considerations, on April 27, 1999, the U.S. Customs Service 

published in the Federal Register (64 FR 22726) a notice of proposed rulemaking 

setting forth a complete revision of Part 111. The notice of proposed rulemaking

included a detailed section-by-section discussion of the proposed amendments (other 

than those of a minor wording or other editorial nature) and provided a 60-day period for 

the submission of public comments on the proposed changes. On June 29, 1999, a 

notice was published in the Federal Register (64 FR 34748) to extend the public

comment period to July 28, 1999. After reviewing all the comments and making any 

necessary changes, the final regulations were published in the Federal Register on

March 15, 2000 (65 FR 13880), and became effective April 14, 2000. The detailed 

discussion that follows is based on the final text. 

In addition, on August 11, 2003, CBP published in the Federal Register (68 FR 47455) a 

final rule concerning performance of customs business by parent and subsidiary 

corporations and “corporate compliance activity”. On December 5, 2003, pursuant to 

Section 343(a) of the Trade Act of 2002, CBP published in the Federal Register (68 FR

68140) a final rule requiring customs brokers, when applicable, to comply with certain 

advance electronic reporting requirements. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS 

(19 CFR PART 111, SUBPART A) 

Definitions 

In order to understand the revised regulations, it is necessary to know the definitions of

some of the main terms used in Revised Part 111. 

• "Assistant Commissioner" means the Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field 

Operations, United States Customs and Border Protection, Washington, DC. 

• "Broker" means a customs broker. 

• “Corporate compliance activity” means activity performed by a business entity to 

ensure that documents for a related business entity or entities are prepared and 

filed with CBP using “reasonable care”, but such activity does not extend to the 

actual preparation or filing of the documents or their electronic equivalents. For

purposes of this definition, a “business entity” is an entity that is registered or 

otherwise on record with an appropriate governmental authority for business 

licensing, taxation, or other legal purposes, and the term “related business entity 

or entities” encompasses a business entity that has more than a 50 percent 

ownership interest in another business entity, a business entity in which another 

business entity has more than a 50 percent ownership interest, and two or more 

business entities in which the same business entity has more than a 50 percent 

ownership interest. 

• "Customs broker" means a person who is licensed under this part to transact 

customs business on behalf of others. 

• "Customs business" means those activities involving transactions with CBP 

concerning the entry and admissibility of merchandise, its classification and 

18
Customs Brokers 

January 2005

valuation, the payment of duties, taxes, or other charges assessed or collected 

by CBP on merchandise by reason of its importation, and the refund, rebate, or

drawback of those duties, taxes, or other charges. "Customs business" also 

includes the preparation, and activities relating to the preparation, of documents 

in any format and the electronic transmission of documents and parts of 

documents intended to be filed with CBP in furtherance of any other customs

business activity, whether or not signed or filed by the preparer. However, 

"customs business" does not include the mere electronic transmission of data 

received for transmission to CBP and does not include a corporate compliance 

activity. 

• "District" means the geographic area covered by a customs broker permit other

than a national permit. A listing of each district, and the ports thereunder, will be 

published periodically. [65 FR 14011 contains the current listing] 

• "Employee" means a person who meets the common law definition of employee 

and is in the service of a customs broker. 

• "Freight forwarder" means a person engaged in the business of dispatching 

shipments in foreign commerce between the United States, its territories or

possessions, and foreign countries, and handling the formalities incident to such 

shipments, on behalf of other persons. 

• "Officer", when used in the context of an association or corporation, means a 

person who has been elected, appointed, or designated as an officer of an 

association or corporation in accordance with statute and the articles of 

incorporation, articles of agreement, charter, or bylaws of the association or 

corporation. 

• "Permit" means any permit issued to a broker under 19 CFR §111.19. 

• "Person" includes individuals, partnerships, associations, and corporations. 

• "Records" means documents, data and information referred to in, and required to

be made or maintained under, this part and any other records, as defined in § 

163.1(a) of this chapter, that are required to be maintained by a broker under part 

163 of this chapter. 

• "Region" means the geographic area covered by a waiver issued pursuant to 19 

CFR § 111.19(d). 

• "Responsible supervision and control" means that degree of supervision and 

control necessary to ensure the proper transaction of the customs business of a 

broker, including actions necessary to ensure that an employee of a broker 

provides substantially the same quality of service in handling customs 

transactions that the broker is required to provide. While the determination of

what is necessary to perform and maintain responsible supervision and control 

will vary depending upon the circumstances in each instance, factors which CBP 

will consider include, but are not limited to: The training required of employees of 

the broker; the issuance of written instructions and guidelines to employees of 

the broker; the volume and type of business of the broker; the reject rate for the 

various customs transactions; the maintenance of current editions of the CBP 

Regulations, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, and CBP 

issuances; the availability of an individually licensed broker for necessary 

consultation with employees of the broker; the frequency of supervisory visits of

19
Customs Brokers 

January 2005

an individually licensed broker to another office of the broker that does not have 

a resident individually licensed broker; the frequency of audits and reviews by an 

individually licensed broker of the customs transactions handled by employees of 

the broker; the extent to which the individually licensed broker who qualifies the 

district permit is involved in the operation of the brokerage; and any circumstance 

which indicates that an individually licensed broker has a real interest in the 

operations of a broker. 

• "Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or any representative of DHS" means 

any office, officer, or employee of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 

wherever located.

LICENSE AND DISTRICT PERMIT REQUIRED 

License 

A person must obtain the license provided for in 19 CFR Part 111 in order to transact 

customs business as a broker, unless one of the exceptions listed below applies. A 

license is not required in the following circumstances: 

• An importer or exporter transacting customs business solely on his own 

account and in no sense on behalf of another is not required to be licensed,

nor are his authorized regular employees or officers who act only for him in

the transaction of such business. 

• An employee of a broker, acting solely for his employer, is not required to be

licensed where: 

• the broker has authorized the employee to sign documents pertaining to 

customs business on his behalf, and has executed a power of attorney for 

that purpose. The broker is not required to file the power of attorney with 

the port director, but must provide proof of its existence to CBP upon 

request; or 

• the broker has filed with the port director a statement identifying the 

employee as authorized to transact customs business on his behalf. 

However, no statement will be necessary when the broker is transacting

customs business under an exception to the district permit rule. 

Nevertheless, the broker must exercise sufficient supervision of the employee 

acting solely for his employer to ensure proper conduct on the part of the 

employee in the transaction of customs business, and the broker will be held

strictly responsible for the acts or omissions of the employee within the scope of 

his employment and for any other acts or omissions of the employee which,

through the exercise of reasonable care and diligence, the broker should have 

foreseen. The broker must promptly notify the port director if authority granted to 

an employee is withdrawn. The withdrawal of authority will be effective upon

receipt by the port director. 

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Customs Brokers 

January 2005

• A person transacting business in connection with entry or clearance of vessels or

other regulation of vessels under the navigation laws is not required to be 

licensed as a broker. 

• Any carrier bringing merchandise to the port of arrival or any bonded carrier 

transporting merchandise for another may make entry for that merchandise for 

transportation in bond without being a broker. 

• An individual entering noncommercial merchandise for another party is not

required to be a broker, provided that the requirements of 19 CFR §141.33 are 

met. 

• A foreign trade zone operator or user need not be licensed as a broker in order to 

engage in activities within a zone that do not involve the transfer of merchandise 

to the customs territory of the United States. 

Permit 

A separate permit (see § 111.19) is generally required for each district in which a broker

conducts customs business, except where the broker is operating under the authority of 

a national permit. However, a broker granted a permit for one district may file drawback

claims manually or electronically at the drawback office that has been designated by

CBP for the purpose of filing those claims, and may represent his client before that 

office in matters concerning those claims, even though the broker does not have a 

permit for the district in which that drawback office is located. 

A national permit issued to a broker under § 111.19(f) will constitute sufficient permit 

authority for the broker to act in any of the following circumstances: 

• Employee working in client's facility (employee implant). When a broker places 

an employee in the facility of a client for whom the broker is conducting customs 

business at one or more other locations covered by a district permit issued to the 

broker, and provided that the employee's activities are limited to customs 

business in support of that broker and on behalf of that client but do not involve 

the filing of entries or other documents with CBP, the broker need not obtain a 

permit for the district within which the client's facility is located; 

• Electronic drawback claims. A broker may file electronic drawback claims in 

accordance with the electronic filing procedures set forth in 19 CFR Part 143 

even though the broker does not have a permit for the district in which the filing is

made; 

• NCAP participation. A broker who is a participant in the National Customs 

Automation Program (NCAP) may electronically file entries for merchandise from 

a remote location and may electronically transact other customs business that is 

provided for and operational under the NCAP even though the entry is filed, or

the other customs business is transacted, within a district for which the broker

does not have a district permit; and 

• Representations after entry summary acceptance. After the entry summary has

been accepted by CBP, and except when a broker filed the entry as importer of 

record, a broker who did not file the entry, but who has been appointed by the 

21
Customs Brokers 

January 2005

importer of record, may orally or in person or in writing or electronically represent 

the importer of record before CBP on any issue arising out of that entry or 

concerning the merchandise covered by that entry even though the broker does

not have a permit for the district within which those representations are made, 

provided that, if requested by CBP, the broker submits appropriate evidence of 

his right to represent the client on the matter at issue. 

Transacting customs business without a license 

Any person who intentionally transacts customs business, other than as provided in Part

111, without holding a valid broker's license, will be liable for a monetary penalty for

each such transaction as well as for each violation of any other provision of 19 U.S.C. 

1641. The penalty will be assessed in accordance with subpart E of Part 111. 

Representation before Government agencies 

A broker who represents a client in the importation or exportation of merchandise may 

represent the client before the Department of Homeland Security or any representative 

of DHS on any matter concerning that merchandise. In order to represent a client before

any agency not within DHS, a broker must comply with any regulations of that agency 

governing the appearance of representatives before it. 

PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN LICENSE OR PERMIT 

(19 CFR PART 111, SUBPART B) 

Licenses 

Individual broker’s license 

In order to obtain a broker's license, an individual must: 

• Be a citizen of the United States on the date of submission of the license 

application and not an officer or employee of the United States Government; 

• Attain the age of 21 prior to the date of submission of the license application; 

• Be of good moral character; and 

• Have established, by attaining a passing (75 percent or higher) grade on a 

written examination taken within the 3-year period before submission of the 

license application, that he has sufficient knowledge of customs and related laws,

regulations and procedures, bookkeeping, accounting, and all other appropriate 

matters to render valuable service to importers and exporters.

Partnership 

In order to qualify for a broker's license, a partnership must have at least one member of 

the partnership who is a broker. 

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Customs Brokers 

January 2005

Association or Corporation 

In order to qualify for a broker's license, an association or corporation must: 

• Be empowered under its articles of association or articles of incorporation to 

transact customs business as a broker; and 

• Have at least one officer who is a broker. 

Application for license 

An application for a broker's license must be submitted in duplicate to the director of the 

port where the applicant intends to do business. The application must be under oath 

and executed on CBP Form 3124. The application must be accompanied by a $200 

application fee and one copy of the appropriate attachment required by the application 

form (Articles of Agreement or an affidavit signed by all partners, Articles of Agreement 

of the association, or the Articles of Incorporation). 

If the applicant proposes to operate under a trade or fictitious name in one or more

States, evidence of the applicant's authority to use the name in each of those States 

must accompany the application.

An application for an individual license must be submitted within the 3-year period after 

the applicant took and passed the required written examination. The port director may 

require an individual applicant to provide a copy of the notification that he passed the 

written examination and will require the applicant to submit fingerprints on form FD 258 

or electronically at the time of filing the application. 

The port director may reject an application as improperly filed if the application, on its 

face, demonstrates that one or more of the basic requirements 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. 

Following receipt of the application, the port director will post a notice that the 

application has been filed. The notice will be posted conspicuously for at least 2 

consecutive weeks in the customhouse at the port and similarly at any other port where 

the applicant also proposes to maintain an office. The notice also will be posted by 

appropriate electronic means. The notice will give the name and address of the 

applicant and, if the applicant is a partnership, association, or corporation, will state the 

names of all members or officers who are licensed as brokers. The notice will invite

written comments or information regarding the issuance of the license. 

An applicant for a broker's license may withdraw the application at any time prior to 

issuance of the license by providing written notice of the withdrawal to the port director. 

However, withdrawal of the application does not entitle the applicant to a refund of the 

$200 application fee. 

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Customs Brokers 

January 2005

Written examination for individual license 

The written examination for an individual broker's license will be designed 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. The examination will be prepared and 

graded at CBP Headquarters, Washington, D.C. 

Written examinations will, generally, be given on the first Monday in April and October. 

An individual who intends to take the written examination must so advise the port 

director in writing at least 30 calendar days prior to the scheduled examination date and 

must remit the $200 examination fee prescribed in section 111.96(a) at that time. The 

port director will give notice of the exact time and place for the examination. If a

partnership, association, or corporation loses the required member or officer having an

individual broker's license and its license would be revoked by operation of law under

the provisions of 19 U.S.C. 1641(b)(5) and 19 CFR § 111.45(a) before the next

scheduled written examination, CBP may authorize a special written examination for a 

prospective applicant for an individual license who would serve as the required licensed 

member or officer. 

CBP may also authorize a special written examination for an individual for purposes of 

continuing the business of a sole proprietorship broker. A special written examination for

an individual may also be authorized by CBP if a brokerage firm loses the individual 

broker who was exercising responsible supervision and control over an office in another

district (see § 111.19(d)) and the permit for that additional district would be revoked by

operation of law under the provisions of 19 U.S.C. 1641(c)(3) and § 111.45(b) before 

the next scheduled written examination. 

A request for a special written examination must be submitted to the port director in 

writing and must describe the circumstances giving rise to the need for the examination.

If the request is granted, the port director will notify the prospective examinee of the 

exact time and place for the examination. If the individual attains a passing grade on the 

special written examination, the application for the license may be submitted. The 

examinee will be responsible for all additional costs incurred by CBP in preparing and 

administering the special examination that exceed the $200 examination fee prescribed 

in 19 CFR § 111.96(a), and those additional costs must be reimbursed to CBP before 

the examination is given. 

If a prospective examinee advises the port director at least 2 working days prior to the 

date of a regularly scheduled written examination that he will not appear for the 

examination, the port director will refund the $200 examination fee. No refund of the

examination fee or additional reimbursed costs will be made in the case of a special 

written examination. 

CBP will provide to each examinee written notice of the result of the examination taken 

under this section. A failure of an examinee to attain a passing grade on the 

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Customs Brokers 

January 2005

examination will preclude the submission of an application for license, but will not

preclude the examinee from taking an examination again at a later date in accordance 

with 19 CFR 111.13(b). 

Appeal of failing grade on examination 

If an examinee fails to attain a passing grade on the written examination, the examinee 

may challenge that result by filing a written appeal with Trade Programs, Office of Field 

Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Washington, DC 20229 within 60 

calendar days after the date of the written notice of the results of the examination. CBP 

will provide to the examinee written notice of the decision on the appeal. If the CBP 

decision on the appeal affirms the result of the examination, the examinee may request 

review of the decision on the appeal by writing to the Secretary within 60 calendar days

after the date of the notice of that decision. 

Investigation of the license applicant 

The port director will immediately 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 port director will forward the originals of the application and the report of

investigation to the Assistant Commissioner. The port director will also submit his 

recommendation for action on the application. 

The Assistant Commissioner may require further investigation to be conducted if

additional facts are deemed necessary to pass upon the application. The Assistant

Commissioner may also require the applicant (or in the case of a partnership,

association, or corporation, one or more of its members or officers) to appear in person 

before him or before one or more representatives of the Assistant Commissioner for the 

purpose of undergoing further written or oral inquiry into the applicant's qualifications for

a license. 

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Customs Brokers 

January 2005

Issuance of license 

If the Assistant Commissioner finds that the applicant is qualified and has paid all 

applicable fees prescribed in § 111.96(a), he will issue a license. A license for an 

individual who is a member of a partnership or an officer of an association or

corporation will be issued in the name of the individual licensee and not in his capacity 

as a member or officer of the organization with which he is connected. The license will 

be forwarded to the port director, who will deliver it to the licensee. 

Denial of license 

If the Assistant Commissioner determines that the application for a license should be 

denied for any reason, notice of denial will be given by him to the applicant and to the 

director of the port at which the application was filed. The notice of denial will state the

reasons why the license was not issued. 

The grounds sufficient to justify denial of an application for a license include, but need 

not be limited to: 

• Any cause which would justify suspension or revocation of the license of a broker

under the provisions of § 111.53; 

• The failure to meet any requirement set forth in § 111.11; 

• A failure to establish the business integrity and good character of the applicant; 

• Any willful misstatement of pertinent facts in the application for the license; 

• Any conduct which would be deemed unfair in commercial transactions by

accepted standards; or 

• A reputation imputing to the applicant criminal, dishonest, or unethical conduct, 

or a record of that conduct. 

Review of the denial of a license 

Upon the denial of an application for a license, the applicant may file with the Assistant 

Commissioner, in writing, a request that further opportunity be given for the presentation 

of information or arguments in support of the application by personal appearance, or in 

writing, or both. This request must be received by the Assistant Commissioner within 60 

calendar days of the denial. 

Upon the decision of the Assistant Commissioner affirming the denial of an application 

for a license, the applicant may file with the Secretary of the Department of Homeland 

Security, in writing, a request for any additional review that the Secretary deems

appropriate. This request must be received by the Secretary within 60 calendar days of 

the Assistant Commissioner's affirmation of the denial of the application for a license. 

Upon a decision of the Secretary affirming the denial of an application for a license, the 

applicant may appeal the decision to the Court of International Trade, provided that the 

26
Customs Brokers 

January 2005

appeal action is commenced within 60 calendar days after the date of entry of the 

Secretary's decision. 

Reapplication for license 

An applicant who has been denied a license may reapply at any time by complying with 

the provisions of § 111.12. 

Permits 

Each person granted a broker's license will be concurrently issued a permit for the 

district in which the port through which the license was delivered to the licensee is

located and without the payment of the $100 fee required by section 111.96(b), if it is 

shown to the satisfaction of the port director that the person intends to transact customs 

business within that district and the person otherwise complies with the requirements of 

part 111. 

A broker who intends to conduct customs business at a port within another district for 

which he does not have a permit, or a broker who was not concurrently granted a permit

with the broker's license, and except where a national permit is involved, must submit

an application for a permit in a letter to the director of the port at which he intends to 

conduct customs business. Each application for a district permit must set forth or attach 

the following: 

• The applicant's broker license number and date of issuance; 

• The address where the applicant's office will be located within the district and the 

telephone number of that office; 

• A copy of a document which reserves the applicant's business name with the 

state or local government; 

• The name of the individual broker who will exercise responsible supervision and 

control over the customs business transacted in the district; 

• A list of all other districts for which the applicant has a permit to transact customs 

business; 

• The place where the applicant's brokerage records will be retained and the name 

of the applicant's designated recordkeeping contact (see §§ 111.21 and 111.23); 

and 

• A list of all persons who the applicant knows will be employed in the district, 

together with the specific employee information prescribed in § 111.28(b)(1)(i) for

each of those prospective employees. 

Each application for a district or national permit must be accompanied by the permit fee 

of $100 and a user fee of $125 (see §§ 111.96(b) and (c)). The $125 fee specified in § 

111.96(c) also must be paid in connection with the issuance of an initial permit 

concurrently with a license. 

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Customs Brokers 

January 2005

Responsible supervision and control 

The applicant for a district permit must have a place of business at the port where the 

application is filed, or must have made firm arrangements satisfactory to the port 

director to establish a place of business, and must exercise responsible supervision and 

control over that place of business once the permit is granted. Except as provided 

below, the applicant must employ in each district for which a permit is granted at least 

one individual broker to exercise responsible supervision and control over the customs

business conducted in the district. 

If the applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of CBP that he regularly employs at

least one individual broker in a larger geographical area in which the district is located 

and that adequate procedures exist for that individual broker to exercise responsible 

supervision and control over the customs business conducted in the district, CBP may

waive the requirement for an individual broker in that district. A request for a waiver, 

supported by information on the volume and type of customs business conducted, or

planned to be conducted, and supported by evidence demonstrating that the applicant

is able to exercise responsible supervision and control through the individual broker 

employed in the larger geographical area, must be sent to the port director in the district 

in which the waiver is sought. The port director will review the request for a waiver and

make recommendations, which will be sent to the Office of Field Operations, CBP

Headquarters, for review and decision. A written decision on the waiver request will be

issued by the Office of Field Operations and, if the waiver is granted, the decision letter 

will specify the region covered by the waiver. 

Decision on permit 

The port director who receives the application will issue a written decision on the district 

permit application and will issue the district permit if the applicant meets all applicable 

requirements. If the port director is of the opinion that the district permit should not be 

issued, he will submit his written reasons for that opinion to the Office of Field 

Operations, CBP Headquarters, for appropriate instructions on whether to grant or deny

the district permit. Each port director will maintain and make available to the public an

alphabetical list of brokers permitted through his port. 

National permit 

A broker who has a district permit may apply for a national permit for the purpose of

transacting customs business in any circumstance for which a national permit is 

authorized (see discussion above). An application for a national permit must be in the 

form of a letter addressed to the Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border

Protection, Washington, DC 20229, and must: 

• Identify the applicant's broker license number and date of issuance; 

• Set forth the address and telephone number of the office designated by the 

applicant as the office of record for purposes of administration of the provisions 

28
Customs Brokers 

January 2005

of Part 111 regarding all activities of the applicant conducted under the national 

permit. That office will be noted in the national permit when issued;

• Set forth the name, broker license number, office address, and telephone 

number of the individual broker who will exercise responsible supervision and 

control over the activities of the applicant conducted under the national permit; 

and 

• Attach a receipt or other evidence showing that the fees specified in §§ 111.96(b)

and (c) have been paid at the port through which the applicant’s broker license 

was delivered. 

Review of permit denial 

Upon the denial of an application for a permit under this section, the applicant may file 

with the Assistant Commissioner, in writing, a request that further opportunity be given 

for the presentation of information or arguments in support of the application by

personal appearance, or in writing, or both. This request must be received by the 

Assistant Commissioner within 60 calendar days of the denial. 

Upon a decision of the Assistant Commissioner affirming the denial of an application for 

a permit under this section, the applicant may appeal the decision to the Court of 

International Trade, provided that the appeal action is commenced within 60 calendar

days after the date of entry of the Assistant Commissioner's decision. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CUSTOMS BROKERS 

(19 CFR PART 111, SUBPART C) 

Record of transactions 

A broker must keep current in a correct, orderly, and itemized manner records of

account reflecting all his financial transactions as a broker. He must keep and maintain 

on file copies of all his correspondence and other records relating to his customs 

business and must comply with the provisions of 19 CFR parts 111 and 163 when 

maintaining records that reflect on his transactions as a broker. 

Each broker must designate a knowledgeable company employee to be the contact for 

CBP on broker-wide customs business and financial recordkeeping requirements. 

Retention of records 

Records must be retained by a broker within the broker district that covers the CBP port

to which they relate, unless the broker chooses to consolidate records at one or more

other locations and provides advance notice of that consolidation to CBP. 

The records required to be retained by a broker, other than powers of attorney, must be 

retained for at least 5 years after the date of entry. Powers of attorney must be retained 

until revoked, and revoked powers of attorney and letters of revocation must be retained 

29
Customs Brokers 

January 2005

for 5 years after the date of revocation or for 5 years after the date the client ceases to 

be an "active client" as defined in 19 CFR § 111.29(b)(2)(ii), whichever period is later.

When merchandise is withdrawn from a bonded warehouse, records relating to the 

withdrawal must be retained for 5 years from the date of withdrawal of the last 

merchandise withdrawn under the entry. 

Consolidated records 

Subject to the requirements outlined below and except when a restriction applies under

19 CFR §163.5(b), the option of maintaining records on a consolidated system basis is 

available to brokers who have been granted permits to do business in more than one 

district. 

If consolidated storage is desired by the broker, he must submit a written notice 

addressed to the Director, Regulatory Audit Division, U.S. Customs and Border 

Protection, 2001 Cross Beam Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217-2856. The written notice must

include: 

• Each address at which the broker intends to maintain the consolidated records. 

Each such location must be within a district where the broker has been granted a 

permit; 

• A detailed statement describing all the records to be maintained at each 

consolidated location, the methodology of record maintenance, a description of 

any automated data processing to be applied, and a list of all the broker's 

customs business activity locations; and 

• An agreement that there will be no change in the records, the manner of

recordkeeping, or the location at which they will be maintained, unless the 

Director, Regulatory Audit Division, in Charlotte, NC is first notified. 

Records confidential 

The records referred to in part 111 and pertaining to the business of the clients serviced 

by the broker are to be considered confidential, and the broker must not disclose their 

contents or any information connected with the records to any persons other than those 

clients, their surety on a particular entry, and the Field Director, Regulatory Audit 

Division, the special agent in charge, the port director, or other duly accredited officers 

or agents of the United States, except on subpoena by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Records must be available 

During the period of retention, the broker must maintain the records referred to in part 

111 in such a manner that they may readily be examined. Records required to be made

or maintained under the provisions of part 111 must be made available upon reasonable 

notice for inspection, copying, reproduction or other official use by CBP regulatory 

auditors or special agents or other authorized CBP officers within the prescribed period 

of retention or within any longer period of time during which they remain in the 

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Customs Brokers 

January 2005

possession of the broker. Records subject to the requirements of part 163 must be 

made available to CBP in accordance with the provisions of that part. 

Except in accordance with the provisions of part 163, a broker must not refuse access

to, conceal, remove, or destroy the whole or any part of any record relating to his 

transactions as a broker which is being sought, or which the broker has reasonable 

grounds to believe may be sought, by the Department of Homeland Security or any

representative of DHS, nor may he otherwise interfere, or attempt to interfere, with any

proper and lawful efforts to procure or reproduce information contained in those records. 

The Field Director, Regulatory Audit Division, will make any audit or inspection of the 

records required to be kept and maintained by a broker as may be necessary to enable 

the port director and other proper officials of the Department of Homeland Security to

determine whether or not the broker is complying with the requirements of part 111. 

Responsible supervision 

Every individual broker operating as a sole proprietor and every licensed member of a 

partnership that is a broker and every licensed officer of an association or corporation 

that is a broker must exercise responsible supervision and control over the transaction 

of the customs business of the sole proprietorship, partnership, association, or

corporation. 

Employee information

Each broker must submit, in writing, to the director of each port at which the broker 

intends to transact customs business, a list of the names of persons currently employed 

by the broker at that port. The list of employees must be submitted upon issuance of a 

permit for an additional district, or upon the opening of an office at a port within a district 

for which the broker already has a permit, and before the broker begins to transact 

customs business as a broker at the port. For each employee, the broker also must 

provide the social security number, date and place of birth, current home address, last 

prior home address, and, if the employee has been employed by the broker for less

than 3 years, the name and address of each former employer and dates of employment 

for the 3-year period preceding current employment with the broker. 

After the initial submission, an updated list, setting forth the name, social security 

number, date and place of birth, and current home address of each current employee,

must be submitted with the triennial status report required by section 111.30(d). 

In the case of a new employee, the broker must submit to the port director the required

written information within 10 calendar days after the new employee has been employed 

by the broker for 30 consecutive days. 

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Customs Brokers 

January 2005

Within 30 calendar days after the termination of employment of any person employed 

longer than 30 consecutive days, the broker must submit the name of the terminated 

employee, in writing, to the director of the port at which the person was employed. 

Notwithstanding a broker's responsibility for providing the required information, in the

absence of culpability by the broker, CBP will not hold him responsible for the 

accuracy of any information that is provided to the broker by the employee. 

Termination of qualifying member or officer 

In the case of an individual broker who is a qualifying member of a partnership or who is 

a qualifying officer of an association or corporation, that individual broker must 

immediately provide written notice to the Assistant Commissioner when his

employment as a qualifying member or officer terminates and must send a copy of the 

written notice to the director of each port through which a permit has been granted to 

the partnership, association, or corporation. 

Change in ownership 

If the ownership of a broker changes and ownership shares in the broker are not 

publicly traded, the broker must immediately provide written notice of that fact to the 

Assistant Commissioner and must send a copy of the written notice to the director of 

each port through which a permit has been granted to the broker. When a change in 

ownership results in the addition of a new principal to the organization, and whether or 

not ownership shares in the broker are publicly traded, CBP reserves the right to 

conduct a background investigation on the new principal. The port director will notify the 

broker if CBP objects to the new principal, and the broker will be given a reasonable 

period of time to remedy the situation. If the investigation uncovers information which 

would have been the basis for a denial of an application for a broker's license and the 

principal's interest in the broker is not terminated to the satisfaction of the port director, 

suspension or revocation proceedings may be initiated under 19 CFR part 111, subpart 

D. For purposes of this paragraph, a "principal" means any person having at least a 5 

percent capital, beneficiary or other direct or indirect interest in the business of a broker. 

Diligence in correspondence and paying monies 

Each broker must exercise due diligence in making financial settlements, in answering 

correspondence, and in preparing or assisting in the preparation and filing of records 

relating to any customs business matter handled by him as a broker. Payment of duty, 

tax, or other debt or obligation owing to the Government for which the broker is 

responsible, or for which the broker has received payment from a client, must be made 

to the Government on or before the date that payment is due. Payments received by a 

broker from a client after the due date must be transmitted to the Government within 5 

working days from receipt by the broker. Each broker must provide a written statement 

to a client accounting for funds received for the client from the Government, or received 

from a client where no payment to the Government has been made, or received from a 

32
Customs Brokers 

January 2005

client in excess of the Governmental or other charges properly payable as part of the 

client's customs business, within 60 calendar days of receipt. No written statement is 

required if there is actual payment of the funds by a broker. 

All brokers must provide their clients with the following written notification: 

“If you are the importer of record, payment to the broker will not relieve you of 

liability for CBP charges (duties, taxes, or other debts owed CBP) in the event

the charges are not paid by the broker. Therefore, if you pay by check, CBP 

charges may be paid with a separate check payable to "U.S. Customs and 

Border Protection" which will be delivered to CBP by the broker.” 

The written notification set forth above must be provided by brokers as follows: 

• On, or attached to, any power of attorney provided by the broker to a client for 

execution on or after September 27, 1982; and 

• To each active client no later than February 28, 1983, and at least once at any

time within each 12-month period after that date. An active client means a client

from whom a broker has obtained a power of attorney and for whom the broker

has transacted customs business on at least two occasions within the 12-month 

period preceding notification. 

Notification of change of business address, organization, name, or location of 

business records; status report; termination of brokerage business 

When a broker changes his business address, he must immediately give written notice 

of his new address to each director of a port that is affected by the change of address. 

In addition, if an individual broker is not actively engaged in transacting business as a 

broker and changes his non-business mailing address, he must give written notice of

the new address in the required triennial status report. 

A partnership, association, or corporation broker must immediately provide written 

notice of any of the following to the director of each port through which it has been 

granted a permit: 

• The date on which a licensed member or officer ceases to be the qualifying 

member or officer for purposes of § 111.11(b) or (c)(2), and the name of the 

broker who will succeed as the qualifying member or officer; and 

• Any change in the Articles of Agreement, Charter, or Articles of Incorporation 

relating to the transaction of customs business, or any other change in the legal 

nature of the organization (for example, conversion of a general partnership to a 

limited partnership, merger with another organization, divestiture of a part of the 

organization, or entry into bankruptcy protection). 

A broker who changes his name, or who proposes to operate under a trade or fictitious 

name in one or more States within the district in which he has been granted a permit

33
Customs Brokers 

January 2005

and is authorized by State law to do so, must submit to the Office of Field Operations, 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Washington, DC 20229, evidence of his authority 

to use that name. The name must not be used until the approval of Headquarters has

been received. In the case of a trade or fictitious name, the broker must affix his own 

name in conjunction with each signature of the trade or fictitious name when signing 

customs documents. 

Each broker must file a written status report with CBP on February 1, 1985, and on

February 1 of each third year after that date. The report must be accompanied by the 

fee prescribed in § 111.96(d) and must be addressed to the director of the port through 

which the license was delivered to the licensee. A report received during the month of 

February will be considered filed timely. No form or particular format is required. 

Each individual broker must state in the required triennial status report whether he is 

actively engaged in transacting business as a broker. If he is so actively engaged, he

must also: 

• State the name under which, and the address at which, his business is 

conducted if he is a sole proprietor; 

• State the name and address of his employer if he is employed by another broker, 

unless his employer is a partnership, association or corporation broker for which 

he is a qualifying member or officer; and 

• State whether or not he still meets the applicable requirements of § 111.11 and § 

111.19 and has not engaged in any conduct that could constitute grounds for

suspension or revocation under § 111.53. 

Each corporation, partnership or association broker must state in the required triennial 

report the name under which its business as a broker is being transacted, its business

address, the name and address of each licensed member of the partnership or licensed 

officer of the association or corporation who qualifies it for a license, and whether it is 

actively engaged in transacting business as a broker, and the report must be signed by 

a licensed member or officer. 

If a broker fails to file the required triennial report by March 1 of the reporting year, the

broker's license is suspended by operation of law on that date. By March 31 of the 

reporting year, the port director will transmit written notice of the suspension to the

broker by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the address reflected in CBP

records. If the broker files the required report and pays the required fee within 60 

calendar days of the date of the notice of suspension, the license will be reinstated. If

the broker does not file the required report within that 60-day period, the broker's license 

is revoked by operation of law without prejudice to the filing of an application for a new 

license. Notice of the revocation will be published in the Customs Bulletin. 

Upon the permanent termination of a brokerage business, written notification of the 

name and address of the party having legal custody of the brokerage business records 

must be provided to the director of each port where the broker was transacting business 

34
Customs Brokers 

January 2005

within each district for which a permit has been issued to the broker. That notification 

will be the responsibility of: 

• The individual broker, upon the permanent termination of his brokerage business; 

• Each member of a partnership who holds an individual broker's license, upon the 

permanent termination of a partnership brokerage business; or 

• Each association or corporate officer who holds an individual broker's license,

upon the permanent termination of an association or corporate brokerage 

business. 

Conflict of interest 

A broker who was formerly an officer or employee in U.S. Government service must not 

represent a client before the Department of Homeland Security or any representative of 

DHS in any matter to which the broker gave personal consideration or gained 

knowledge of the facts while in U.S. Government service, except as provided in 18 

U.S.C. 207. 

A broker must not knowingly assist, accept assistance from, or share fees with a person 

who has been employed by a client in a matter pending before DHS or any

representative of DHS to which matter that person gave personal consideration or 

gained personal knowledge of the facts or issues of the matter while in U.S.

Government service. 

A broker who is an importer himself must not act as broker for an importer who imports 

merchandise of the same general character as that imported by the broker unless the

client has full knowledge of the facts. The same restriction will apply if a broker's

employee is an importer. 

False information 

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. In addition, a broker must

not knowingly give, or solicit or procure the giving of, any false or misleading information 

or testimony in any matter pending before the Department of Homeland Security or any 

representative of DHS. 

Government records 

A broker must not procure or attempt to procure, directly or indirectly, information from 

Government records or other Government sources of any kind to which access is not

granted by proper authority. 

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Customs Brokers 

January 2005

Undue influence upon Department of Homeland Security employees 

A broker must not influence or attempt to influence the conduct of any representative of

the Department of Homeland Security in any matter pending before DHS or any

representative of DHS by the use of duress or a threat or false accusation, or by the 

offer of any special inducement or promise of advantage, or by bestowing any gift or

favor or other thing of value. 

Acceptance of fees from attorneys 

With respect to customs transactions, a broker must not demand or accept from any 

attorney (whether directly or indirectly, including, for example, from a client as a part of 

any arrangement with an attorney) on account of any case litigated in any court of law 

or on account of any other legal service rendered by an attorney any fee or 

remuneration in excess of an amount measured by or commensurate with the time, 

effort and skill expended by the broker in performing his services. 

Relations with unlicensed persons 

When a broker is employed for the transaction of customs business by an unlicensed 

person who is not the actual importer, the broker must transmit to the actual importer

either a copy of his bill for services rendered or a copy of the entry, unless the 

merchandise was purchased on a delivered duty-paid basis or unless the importer has 

in writing waived transmittal of the copy of the entry or bill for services rendered. 

Except as provided below, a broker must not enter into any agreement with an 

unlicensed person to transact customs business for others in such manner that the fees

or other benefits resulting from the services rendered for others inure to the benefit of 

the unlicensed person. 

A broker may compensate a freight forwarder for referring brokerage business, subject 

to the following conditions: 

• The importer or other party in interest is notified in advance by the forwarder or 

broker of the name of the broker selected by the forwarder for the handling of his

customs transactions;

• The broker transmits directly to the importer or other party in interest; 

• A true copy of his brokerage charges if the fees and charges are to be collected 

by or through the forwarder, unless this requirement is waived in writing by the 

importer or other party in interest; or 

• A statement of his brokerage charges and an itemized list of any charges to be 

collected for the account of the freight forwarder if the fees and charges are to be 

collected by or through the broker; 

• No part of the agreement of compensation between the broker and the forwarder, 

nor any action taken pursuant to the agreement, forbids or prevents direct

36
Customs Brokers 

January 2005

communication between the importer or other party in interest and the broker; 

and 

• In making the agreement and in all actions taken pursuant to the agreement, the 

broker remains subject to all other provisions of this part. 

Misuse of license or permit 

A broker must not allow his license, permit or name to be used by or for any unlicensed

person (including a broker whose license or permit is under suspension), other than his 

own employees authorized to act for him, in the solicitation, promotion or performance 

of any customs business or transaction. 

False representation to procure employment 

A broker must not knowingly use false or misleading representations to procure 

employment in any customs matter. In addition, a broker must not represent to a client 

or prospective client that he can obtain any favors from the Department of Homeland 

Security or any representative of DHS. 

Advice to client 

A broker must not withhold information relative to any customs business from a client

who is entitled to the information. Moreover, a broker must exercise due diligence to

ascertain the correctness of any information which he imparts to a client, and he must 

not knowingly impart to a client false information relative to any customs business. 

If a broker knows that a client has not complied with the law or has made an error in, or 

omission from, any document, affidavit, or other paper which the law requires the client 

to execute, he must advise the client promptly of that noncompliance, error, or omission. 

A broker must not knowingly suggest to a client or prospective client any illegal plan for 

evading payment of any duty, tax, or other debt or obligation owing to the U.S.

Government. 

Protests 

A broker must not act on behalf of any person, or attempt to represent any person, 

regarding any protest unless he is authorized to do so in accordance with 19 CFR part 

174. 

Endorsement of checks 

A broker must not endorse or accept, without authority of his client, any U.S.

Government draft, check, or warrant drawn to the order of the client. 

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Customs Brokers 

January 2005

Relations with person who is notoriously disreputable or whose license is under 

suspension, canceled "with prejudice," or revoked 

A broker must not knowingly and directly or indirectly: 

• Accept employment to effect a customs transaction as associate, correspondent, 

officer, employee, agent, or subagent from any person who is notoriously

disreputable or whose broker license was revoked for any cause or is under

suspension or was cancelled "with prejudice"; 

• Assist in the furtherance of any customs business or transactions of any person 

described above; 

• Employ, or accept assistance in the furtherance of any customs business or 

transactions from, any person described above, without the approval of the 

Assistant Commissioner; 

• Share fees with any person described above; or 

• Permit any person described above to participate, directly or indirectly and 

whether through ownership or otherwise, in the promotion, control, or direction of

the business of the broker. 

However, nothing prohibits a broker from transacting customs business on behalf of a 

bona fide importer or exporter who may be notoriously disreputable or whose 

broker license is under suspension or was canceled "with prejudice" or revoked. 

Revocation by operation of law 

License 

If a broker that is a partnership, association, or corporation fails to have, during any

continuous period of 120 days, at least one member of the partnership or at least one 

officer of the association or corporation who holds a valid individual broker's license,

that failure will, in addition to any other sanction that may be imposed under Part 111, 

result in the revocation by operation of law of the license and any permits issued to the 

partnership, association, or corporation. The Assistant Commissioner or his designee 

will notify the broker in writing of an impending revocation by operation of law 30 

calendar days before the revocation is due to occur. 

Permit 

If a broker who has been granted a permit for an additional district fails, for any 

continuous period of 180 days, to employ within that district (or region, as defined 

above, if an exception has been granted pursuant to § 111.19(d)) at least one person 

who holds a valid individual broker's license, that failure will, in addition to any other 

sanction that may be imposed under Part 111, result in the revocation of the permit by 

operation of law. 

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Customs Brokers 

January 2005

If the license or an additional permit of a partnership, association, or corporation is

revoked by operation of law under either of the foregoing paragraphs, the Assistant 

Commissioner or his designee will notify the organization of the revocation. If an 

additional permit of an individual broker is revoked by operation of law, the Assistant

Commissioner or his designee will notify the broker. Notice of any revocation under this

section will be published in the Customs Bulletin. 

Notwithstanding the operation of the above paragraphs, each broker still has a 

continuing obligation to exercise responsible supervision and control over the conduct of

its brokerage business and to otherwise comply with the provisions of this part. Any 

failure on the part of a broker to meet that continuing obligation during the 120 or 180-

day period referred to above, or during any shorter period of time, may result in the 

initiation of suspension or revocation proceedings or the assessment of a monetary 

penalty. 

CANCELLATION, SUSPENSION, OR REVOCATION OF LICENSE OR PERMIT, AND 

MONETARY PENALTY IN LIEU OF SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION 

(19 CFR Part 111, Subpart D) 

General 

Subpart D of Part 111 sets forth provisions relating to cancellation, suspension, or

revocation of a license or a permit, or assessment of a monetary penalty in lieu of

suspension or revocation, under section 641(d)(2)(B), Tariff Act of 1930, as amended 

(19 U.S.C. 1641(d)(2)(B)). The provisions relating to assessment of a monetary penalty

under sections 641(b)(6) and (d)(2)(A), Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 

1641(b)(6) and (d)(2)(A)), are set forth in subpart E of Part 111. 

Cancellation of license or permit 

Without prejudice 

The Assistant Commissioner may cancel a broker's license or permit "without prejudice" 

upon written application by the broker if the Assistant Commissioner determines that the 

application for cancellation was not made in order to avoid 

proceedings for the suspension or revocation of the license or permit. If the Assistant

Commissioner determines that the application for cancellation was made in order to 

avoid those proceedings, he may cancel the license or permit "without prejudice" only

with authorization from the Secretary of DHS. 

With prejudice 

The Assistant Commissioner may cancel a broker's license or permit "with prejudice"

when specifically requested to do so by the broker. The effect of a cancellation "with 

prejudice" is in all respects the same as if the license or permit had been revoked for 

cause by the Secretary except that it will not give rise to a right of appeal. 

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Customs Brokers 

January 2005

Voluntary suspension of license or permit 

The Assistant Commissioner may accept a broker's written voluntary offer of

suspension of the broker's license or permit for a specific period of time under any terms 

and conditions to which the parties may agree. 

Grounds for suspension or revocation of license or permit 

The appropriate CBP officer may initiate proceedings for the suspension, for a specific

period of time, or revocation of the license or permit of any broker for any of the 

following reasons: 

• The broker has made or caused to be made in any application for any license or

permit under Part 111, or report filed with CBP, any statement which was, at the 

time and in light of the circumstances under which it was made, false or 

misleading with respect to any material fact, or has omitted to state in any

application or report any material fact which was required; 

• The broker has been convicted, at any time after the filing of an application for a 

license, of any felony or misdemeanor which: 

• Involved the importation or exportation of merchandise; 

• Arose out of the conduct of customs business; or 

• Involved larceny, theft, robbery, extortion, forgery, counterfeiting, fraudulent 

concealment, embezzlement, fraudulent conversion, or misappropriation of 

funds; 

• The broker has violated any provision of any law enforced by CBP or the 

rules or regulations issued under any provision of any law enforced by CBP; 

• The broker has counseled, commanded, induced, procured, or knowingly

aided or abetted the violations by any other person of any provision of any 

law enforced by CBP or the rules or regulations issued under any provision of 

any law enforced by CBP; 

• The broker has knowingly employed, or continues to employ, any person who 

has been convicted of a felony, without written approval of that employment 

from the Assistant Commissioner; 

• The broker has, in the course of customs business, with intent to defraud, in 

any manner willfully and knowingly deceived, misled or threatened any client

or prospective client; or 

• The broker no longer meets the license or permit application requirements of 

19 CFR § 111.11 and § 111.19. 

Investigation of complaints 

Every complaint or charge against a broker which may be the basis for disciplinary

action will be forwarded for investigation to the special agent in charge of the area in 

which the broker is located. The special agent in charge will submit a report on the 

40
Customs Brokers 

January 2005

investigation to the director of the port and send a copy of it to the Assistant 

Commissioner. 

Review of report on investigation 

The port director will review the report of investigation to determine if there is sufficient 

basis to recommend that charges be preferred against the broker. He will then submit 

his recommendation with supporting reasons to the Assistant Commissioner for final 

determination together with a proposed statement of charges when recommending that

charges be preferred. 

Determination by Assistant Commissioner 

The Assistant Commissioner will make a determination on whether or not charges

should be preferred, and he will notify the port director of his decision. 

DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS 

Content of statement of charges 

Any statement of charges must give a plain and concise, but not necessarily detailed,

description of the facts claimed to constitute grounds for suspension or revocation of the 

license or permit. The statement of charges also must specify the sanction being 

proposed (that is, suspension of the license or permit or revocation of the license or 

permit). However, if a suspension is proposed, the charges need not state a specific 

period of time for which suspension is proposed. A statement of charges which fairly

informs the broker of the charges against him so that he is able to prepare his response

will be deemed sufficient. Different means by which a purpose might have been 

accomplished, or different intents with which acts might have been done, so as to 

constitute grounds for suspension or revocation of the license may be alleged in the 

alternative under a single count in the statement of charges. 

Preliminary proceedings 

The port director will advise the broker of his opportunity to participate in preliminary

proceedings with an opportunity to avoid formal proceedings against his license or 

permit. 

The port director will serve upon the broker written notice that: 

• Transmits a copy of the proposed statement of charges; 

• Informs the broker that formal proceedings are available to him; 

• Informs the broker that sections 554 and 558, Title 5, United States Code, will be 

applicable if formal proceedings are necessary; 

• Invites the broker to show cause why formal proceedings should not be 

instituted; 

41
Customs Brokers 

January 2005

• Informs the broker that he may make submissions and demonstrations of the 

character contemplated by the cited statutory provisions; 

• Invites any negotiation for settlement of the complaint or charge that the broker

deems it desirable to enter into; 

• Advises the broker of his right to be represented by counsel; 

• Specifies the place where the broker may respond in writing; and 

• Advises the broker that the response must be received within 30 calendar days 

of the date of the notice. 

Request for additional information 

If, in order to prepare his response, the broker desires additional information as to the 

time and place of the alleged misconduct, or the means by which it was committed, or 

any other more specific information concerning the alleged misconduct, he may request 

that information in writing. The broker's request must set forth in what respect the 

proposed statement of charges leaves him in doubt and must describe the particular

language of the proposed statement of charges as to which additional information is 

needed. If in the opinion of the port director that information is reasonably necessary to 

enable the broker to prepare his response, he will furnish the broker with that

information. 

Decision on preliminary proceedings 

The port director will prepare a summary of any oral presentations made by the broker 

or his attorney and forward it to the Assistant Commissioner together with a copy of 

each paper filed by the broker. The port director will also give to the Assistant

Commissioner his recommendation on action to be taken as a result of the preliminary

proceedings. If the Assistant Commissioner determines that the broker has satisfactorily

responded to the proposed charges and that further proceedings are not warranted, he 

will so inform the port director who will notify the broker. 

If no response is filed by the broker or if the Assistant Commissioner determines that 

the broker has not satisfactorily responded to all of the proposed charges, he will advise

the port director of that fact and instruct him to prepare, sign, and serve a notice of

charges and the statement of charges. If one or more of the charges in the proposed 

statement of charges was satisfactorily answered by the broker in the preliminary

proceedings, the Assistant Commissioner will instruct the port director to omit those 

charges from the statement of charges. 

Contents of notice of charges 

The notice of charges must inform the broker that: 

• Sections 554 and 558, Title 5, United States Code, are applicable to the formal 

proceedings; 

• The broker may be represented by counsel; 

42
Customs Brokers 

January 2005

• The broker will have the right to cross-examine witnesses; 

• Within 10 calendar days after service of this notice, the broker will be notified of 

the time and place of a hearing on the charges; and 

• Prior to the hearing on the charges, the broker may file, in duplicate with the port 

director, a verified answer to the charges. 

Service of notice and statement of charges 

The port director will serve the notice of charges and the statement of charges against 

an individual broker as follows:

• By delivery to the broker personally; 

• By certified mail addressed to the broker, with demand for a return card signed 

solely by the addressee; 

• By any other means which the broker may have authorized in a written 

communication to the port director; or 

• If attempts to serve the broker by the methods prescribed above are 

unsuccessful, the port director may serve the notice and statement by leaving 

them with the person in charge of the broker's office. 

The port director will serve the notice of charges and the statement of charges against a 

partnership, association, or corporation broker as follows: 

• By delivery to any member of the partnership personally or to any officer of the 

association or corporation personally; 

• By certified mail addressed to any member of the partnership or to any officer of 

the association or corporation, with demand for a return card signed solely by the 

addressee;

• By any other means which the broker may have authorized in a written 

communication to the port director; or 

• If attempts to serve the broker by the methods prescribed above are 

unsuccessful, the port director may serve the notice and statement by leaving 

them with the person in charge of the broker's office. 

When the notice and statement of charges are served by certified mail, the receipt of

the return card duly signed will be satisfactory evidence of service. 

Service of notice of hearing and other papers 

After service of the notice and statement of charges, the port director will serve upon the 

broker and his attorney, if known, by one of the methods described above or by ordinary

mail, a written notice of the time and place of the hearing. The hearing will be scheduled 

to take place within 30 calendar days after service of the notice of hearing. 

Other papers relating to the hearing may be served by one of the methods described 

above or by ordinary mail or upon the broker's attorney. 

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Customs Brokers 

January 2005

Extension of time for hearing 

If the broker or his attorney requests in writing a delay in the hearing for good cause, the 

designated hearing officer may reschedule the hearing and in that case will notify the 

broker or his attorney in writing of the extension and the new time for the hearing. 

Failure to appear 

If the broker or his attorney fails to appear for a scheduled hearing, the designated 

hearing officer will proceed with the hearing as scheduled and will hear evidence 

submitted by the parties. The provisions of part 111 will apply as though the broker were 

present, and the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security may issue an order

of suspension of the license or permit for a specified period of time or revocation of the 

license or permit, or assessment of a monetary penalty in lieu of suspension or 

revocation, if he finds that action to be in order. 

Hearing 

The hearing officer must be an administrative law judge appointed pursuant to 5 U.S.C.

§ 3105. 

The broker or his attorney will have the right to examine all exhibits offered at the 

hearing and will have the right to cross-examine witnesses and to present witnesses

who will be subject to cross-examination by the Government representatives. 

Upon the written request of either party, the hearing officer may permit deposition upon 

oral or written interrogatories to be taken before any officer duly authorized to 

administer oaths for general purposes or in customs matters. The other party to the 

hearing will be given a reasonable time in which to prepare cross-interrogatories and, if 

the deposition is oral, will be permitted to cross-examine the witness. The deposition will 

become part of the hearing record. 

The port director will provide a competent reporter to make a record of the hearing. 

When the record of the hearing has been transcribed by the reporter, the port director 

will deliver a copy of the transcript of record to the hearing officer, the broker and the 

Government representative without charge. 

The Assistant Commissioner will designate one or more persons to represent the 

Government at the hearing. 

Proposed findings and conclusions 

The hearing officer will allow the parties a reasonable period of time after delivery of the 

transcript of record in which to submit proposed findings and conclusions and 

supporting reasons for the findings as contemplated by 5 U.S.C. 557(c). 

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Recommended decision by hearing officer 

After review of the proposed findings and conclusions submitted by the parties, the 

hearing officer will make his recommended decision in the case and certify the entire

record to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The hearing officer's

recommended decision must conform to the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 557. 

Additional submissions 

Upon receipt of the record, the Secretary of DHS will afford the parties a reasonable 

opportunity to make any additional submissions that are permitted under 5 U.S.C. 

557(c) or otherwise required by the circumstances of the case. 

Immaterial mistakes 

The Secretary of DHS will disregard an immaterial misnomer of a third person, an

immaterial mistake in the description of any person, thing, or place, or ownership of any

property, any other immaterial mistake in the statement of charges, or a failure to prove 

immaterial allegations in the description of the broker's conduct. 

Dismissal subject to new proceedings 

If the Secretary of DHS finds that the evidence produced at the hearing indicates that a 

proper disposition of the case cannot be made on the basis of the charges preferred, he 

may instruct the port director to serve appropriate charges as a basis for new 

proceedings to be conducted in accordance with the procedures set forth in this 

subpart. 

Decision and notice of suspension or revocation or monetary penalty

If the Secretary of DHS finds that one or more of the charges in the statement of

charges is not sufficiently proved, he may base a suspension, revocation, or monetary 

penalty action on any remaining charges if the facts alleged in the charges are 

established by the evidence. 

If the Secretary of DHS, in the exercise of his discretion and based solely on the record, 

issues an order suspending a broker's license or permit for a specified period of time or

revoking a broker's license or permit or, except in a case described in § 111.53(b)(3), 

assessing a monetary penalty in lieu of suspension or revocation, the Assistant 

Commissioner will promptly provide written notification of the order to the broker and, 

unless an appeal from the Secretary's order is filed by the broker, the Assistant 

Commissioner will publish a notice of the suspension or revocation, or the assessment

of a monetary penalty, in the Federal Register and in the Customs Bulletin. 

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If no appeal from the Secretary's order is filed, an order of suspension or revocation or 

assessment of a monetary penalty will become effective 60 calendar days after

issuance of written notification of the order unless the Secretary finds that a more 

immediate effective date is in the national or public interest. 

If a monetary penalty is assessed and no appeal from the Secretary's order is filed, 

payment of the penalty must be tendered within 60 calendar days after the effective 

date of the order, and, if payment is not tendered within that 60-day period, the license

or permit of the broker will immediately be suspended until payment is made. 

Appeal from the Secretary's decision 

An appeal from the order of the Secretary of DHS suspending or revoking a license or

permit, or assessing a monetary penalty, may be filed by the broker in the Court of

International Trade as provided in section 641(e), Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 

U.S.C. 1641(e)). The commencement of those proceedings will, unless specifically

ordered by the Court, operate as a stay of the Secretary's order. 

Reopening the case 

If no appeal is filed in accordance with the regulations, a person whose license or permit 

has been suspended or revoked, or against whom a monetary penalty has been 

assessed in lieu of suspension or revocation, may make written application in duplicate 

to the Assistant Commissioner to reopen the case and have the order of suspension or 

revocation or monetary penalty assessment set aside or modified on the ground that

new evidence has been discovered or on the ground that important evidence is now 

available which could not be produced at the original hearing by the exercise of due 

diligence. The application must set forth the precise character of the evidence to be 

relied upon and must state the reasons why the applicant was unable to produce it 

when the original charges were heard. 

The Assistant Commissioner will forward the application, together with his

recommendation for action thereon, to the Secretary of DHS. The Secretary may grant

or deny the application to reopen the case and may order the taking of additional 

testimony before the Assistant Commissioner. The Assistant Commissioner will notify

the applicant of the Secretary's decision. If the Secretary grants the application and 

orders a hearing, the Assistant Commissioner will set a time and place for the hearing 

and give due written notice of the hearing to the applicant. The procedures governing 

the new hearing and recommended decision of the hearing officer will be the same as

those governing the original proceeding. The original order of the Secretary will remain 

in effect pending conclusion of the new proceedings and issuance of a new order. 

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Notice of vacated or modified order 

If the Secretary of DHS issues an order vacating or modifying an earlier order

suspending or revoking a broker's license or permit, or assessing a monetary penalty, 

the Assistant Commissioner will notify the broker in writing and will publish a notice of 

the new order in the Federal Register and in the Customs Bulletin. 

Reprimands 

If a broker fails to observe and fulfill the duties and responsibilities of a broker as set 

forth in part 111 but that failure is not sufficiently serious to warrant initiation of

suspension or revocation proceedings, Headquarters, or the port director with the 

approval of Headquarters, may serve the broker with a written reprimand. The 

reprimand, and the facts on which it is based, may be considered in connection with any 

future disciplinary proceeding that may be instituted against the broker in question. 

Employment of broker who has lost license 

Five years after the revocation or cancellation "with prejudice" of a license, the exbroker may petition the Assistant Commissioner for authorization to assist, or accept 

employment with, a broker. The petition will not be approved unless the Assistant 

Commissioner is satisfied that the petitioner has refrained from all activities described in

§ 111.42 and that the petitioner's conduct has been exemplary during the period of

disability. The Assistant Commissioner will also give consideration to the gravity of the 

misconduct which gave rise to the petitioner's disability. In any case in which the

misconduct led to pecuniary loss to the Government or to any person, the Assistant 

Commissioner will also take into account whether the petitioner has made restitution of 

such loss. 

Settlement and compromise 

The Assistant Commissioner, with the approval of the Secretary of DHS, may settle and 

compromise any disciplinary proceeding which has been instituted under subpart D of 

part 111 according to the terms and conditions agreed to by the parties including, but

not limited to, the assessment of a monetary penalty in lieu of any proposed suspension 

or revocation of a broker's license or permit. 

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MONETARY PENALTY AND PAYMENT OF FEES 

(19 CFR PART 111, SUBPART E) 

Penalties 

Grounds for imposition of a monetary penalty; maximum penalty

CBP may assess a monetary penalty or penalties as follows: 

• In the case of a broker, in an amount not to exceed an aggregate of $30,000 for 

one or more of the reasons set forth in 19 CFR §§ 111.53(a) through (f) other

than those listed in 19 CFR § 111.53(b)(3), and provided that no license or permit 

suspension or revocation proceeding has been instituted against the broker

under subpart D of part 111 for any of the same reasons; or 

• In the case of a person who is not a broker, in an amount not to exceed $10,000 

for each transaction or violation referred to in § 111.4 and in an amount not to 

exceed an aggregate of $30,000 for all those transactions or violations. 

Notice of monetary penalty

If assessment of a monetary penalty as described above is contemplated, CBP will 

issue a written notice which advises the broker or other person of the allegations or 

complaints against him and explains that the broker or other person has a right to 

respond to the allegations or complaints in writing within 30 days of the date of mailing 

of the notice. The Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer has discretion to provide 

additional time for good cause. 

If the broker or other person files a timely response to the written notice of the 

allegations or complaints, the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeiture Officer will review this

response and will either cancel the case, issue a notice of penalty in an amount which is

lower than that provided for in the written notice of allegations or complaints or issue a 

notice of penalty in the same amount as that provided in written notice of allegations or

complaints. If no response is received from the broker or other person, the Fines,

Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer will issue a notice of penalty in the same amount as 

that provided in the written notice of allegations or complaints. 

Petition for relief from monetary penalty

A broker or other person who receives a notice of monetary penalty may file a petition 

for relief from the monetary penalty in accordance with the procedures set forth in 19 

CFR part 171. 

Decision on monetary penalty

CBP will follow the procedures set forth in 19 CFR part 171 in considering any petition 

for relief from monetary penalty. After CBP has considered the allegations or complaints

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set forth in the notice and any timely response made to the notice by the broker or other

person, the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer will issue a written decision to the 

broker or other person setting forth the final determination and the findings of fact and 

conclusions of law on which the determination is based. If the final determination is that 

the broker or other person is liable for a monetary penalty, the broker or other person 

must pay the monetary penalty, or make arrangements for payment of the monetary 

penalty, within 60 calendar days of the date of the written decision. If payment or

arrangements for payment are not timely made, CBP will refer the matter to the 

Department of Justice for institution of appropriate judicial proceedings. 

Supplemental petition for relief from monetary penalty

A decision of the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer with regard to any petition 

filed in accordance with 19 CFR part 171 may be the subject of a supplemental petition 

for relief. Any supplemental petition also must be filed in accordance with the provisions

of part 171. 

Fees 

License fee; examination fee; fingerprint fee 

Each applicant for a broker's license must pay a fee of $200 to defray the costs to CBP 

in processing the application. Each individual who intends to take the written 

examination provided for in § 111.13 must pay a $200 examination fee before taking the 

examination. An individual who submits an application for a license must also pay a 

fingerprint check and processing fee; the port director will inform the applicant of the 

current Federal Bureau of Investigation fee for conducting fingerprint checks and the 

CBP fingerprint processing fee, the total of which must be paid to CBP before further 

processing of the application will occur. 

Permit fee

A fee of $100 must be paid in connection with each permit application under section 

111.19 to defray the costs of processing the application, including an application for

reinstatement of a permit that was revoked by operation of law or otherwise. 

User fee 

Payment of an annual user fee of $125 is required for each permit, including a national 

permit, granted to an individual, partnership, association, or corporate broker. The user 

fee is payable when an initial district permit is issued concurrently with a license, or in

connection with the filing of an application for the permit under § 111.19(b) or (f), and for 

each subsequent calendar year at the port through which the broker was granted the 

permit or at the port referred to in 

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§ 111.19(c) in the case of a national permit. The user fee must be paid by the due date 

as published annually in the Federal Register, and must be remitted in accordance with 

the procedures set forth in 19 CFR § 24.22(i). 

When a broker submits an application for a permit or is issued an initial district permit 

under § 111.19, the full $125 user fee must be remitted with the application or when the 

initial district permit is issued, regardless of the point during the calendar year at which 

the application is submitted or the initial district permit is issued. If a broker fails to pay 

the annual user fee by the published due date, the appropriate port director will notify

the broker in writing of the failure to pay and will revoke the permit to operate. The 

notice will constitute revocation of the permit. 

Status report fee 

The triennial status report required under § 111.30(d) must be accompanied by a fee of

$100 to defray the costs of administering the reporting requirement. 

Method of payment 

All prescribed fees must be paid by check or money order, payable to U.S. Customs

and Border Protection. 

Fee Summary Chart 

Application fee $ 200 

Examination fee $ 200 

Fingerprint & processing fee *based on costs 

Permit application fee $ 100 per permit 

Annual permit user fee $ 125 per permit 

Status report fee $ 100 every three years 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

The Internet 

The home page of U.S. Customs and Border Protection on the Internet’s World Wide 

Web, provides the trade community with current, relevant information regarding CBP 

operations and items of special interest. The site posts information -- which includes 

proposed regulations, news releases, publications and notices, etc. -- that can be 

searched, read on-line, printed or downloaded to your personal computer. The web site 

was established as a trade-friendly mechanism to assist the importing and exporting

community. The web site also links to the home pages of many other agencies whose 

importing or exporting regulations that U.S. Customs and Border Protection helps to 

enforce. The web site also contains a wealth of information of interest to a broader 

public than the trade community. For instance, on June 20, 2001, CBP launched the 

“Know Before You Go” publication and traveler awareness campaign designed to help 

educate international travelers. 

 

The web address of U.S. Customs and Border Protection is http://www.cbp.gov

Customs Regulations 

The current edition of Customs Regulations of the United States is a loose-leaf, 

subscription publication available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 

Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402; telephone (202) 512-1800. A 

bound, 2003 edition of Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations, which incorporates all 

changes to the Regulations as of April 1, 2003, is also available for sale from the same 

address. All proposed and final regulations are published in the Federal Register, which 

is published daily by the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records 

Administration, and distributed by the Superintendent of Documents. Information about

on-line access to the Federal Register may be obtained by calling (202) 512-1530 

between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time. These notices are also published in the 

weekly Customs Bulletin described below. 

Customs Bulletin 

The Customs Bulletin and Decisions (“Customs Bulletin”) is a weekly publication that 

contains decisions, rulings, regulatory proposals, notices and other information of 

interest to the trade community. It also contains decisions issued by the U.S. Court of 

International Trade, as well as customs-related decisions of the U.S. Court of Appeals

for the Federal Circuit. Each year, the Government Printing Office publishes bound 

volumes of the Customs Bulletin. Subscriptions may be purchased from the 

Superintendent of Documents at the address and phone number listed above. 

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Importing Into the United States

This publication provides an overview of the importing process and contains general 

information about import requirements. The February 2002 edition of Importing Into the 

United States contains much new and revised material brought about pursuant to the 

Customs Modernization Act (“Mod Act”). The Mod Act has fundamentally altered the 

relationship between importers and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by shifting to 

the importer the legal responsibility for declaring the value, classification, and rate of 

duty applicable to entered merchandise. 

The February 2002 edition contains a section entitled "Informed Compliance." A key 

component of informed compliance is the shared responsibility between U.S. Customs 

and Border Protection and the import community, wherein CBP communicates its 

requirements to the importer, and the importer, in turn, uses reasonable care to assure 

that CBP is provided accurate and timely data pertaining to his or her importation. 

Single copies may be obtained from local offices of U.S. Customs and Border

Protection, or from the Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20229. An on-line version is 

available at the CBP web site. Importing Into the United States is also available for 

sale, in single copies or bulk orders, from the Superintendent of Documents by calling 

(202) 512-1800, or by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing

Office, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7054. 

Informed Compliance Publications 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has prepared a number of Informed Compliance 

publications in the “What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know 

About:...” series. Check the Internet web site http://www.cbp.gov for current 

publications. 

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Value Publications 

Customs Valuation under the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 is a 96-page book 

containing a detailed narrative description of the customs valuation system, the customs 

valuation title of the Trade Agreements Act (§402 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended 

by the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (19 U.S.C. §1401a)), the Statement of 

Administrative Action which was sent to the U.S. Congress in conjunction with the TAA,

regulations (19 C.F.R. §§152.000-152.108) implementing the valuation system (a few 

sections of the regulations have been amended subsequent to the publication of the 

book) and questions and answers concerning the valuation system. A copy may be 

obtained from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Regulations and Rulings, 

Value Branch, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, (Mint Annex), Washington, D.C. 20229. 

Customs Valuation Encyclopedia (with updates) is comprised of relevant statutory

provisions, CBP Regulations implementing the statute, portions of the Customs 

Valuation Code, judicial precedent, and administrative rulings involving application of 

valuation law. A copy may be purchased for a nominal charge from the Superintendent

of Documents, Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-

7054. This publication is also available on the Internet web site of U.S. Customs and 

Border Protection. 

The information provided in this publication is for general information 

purposes only. Recognizing that many complicated factors may be 

involved in customs issues, an importer may wish to obtain a ruling under

CBP Regulations, 19 C.F.R. Part 177, or obtain advice from an expert

(such as a licensed Customs Broker, attorney or consultant) who 

specializes in customs matters. Reliance solely on the general 

information in this pamphlet may not be considered reasonable care.

Additional information may also be obtained from U.S. Customs and Border Protection 

ports of entry. Please consult your telephone directory for an office near you. The 

listing will be found under U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security. 

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“Your Comments are Important” 

The Small Business and Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and 10 regional 

Fairness Boards were established to receive comments from small businesses about

Federal agency enforcement activities and rate each agency’s responsiveness to small 

business. If you wish to comment on the enforcement actions of U.S. Customs and

Border Protection, call 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247). 

REPORT SMUGGLING 1-800-BE-ALERT OR 1-800-NO-DROGA 

Visit our Internet web site: http://www.cbp.gov

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