Yes, a customs broker license is valid nationwide in the United States.

Great questions! The registration period usually opens about three months before the exam and closes about a month in advance, and the enrollment for the Star USA Exam Prep Course is open now until the first week of January 2025. Let us know what other questions you have!

We're glad it was helpful!

Hi there! You must be a US citizen to take the exam and apply for a license.

There are a lot of requirements for exporting used vehicles. This handout by US Customs may help! www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2016-May/flyer-Exporting%20Used%20vehicles.pdf#:~:text=In%20accordance%20with%20the%20Foreign%20Trade%20Regulations%20%28FTR%29%2C,to%20export%20regardless%20of%20destination%2C%20value%20or%20condition.

@ Thanks

Hi there! You must be a US citizen to take the exam.

You've got it! Definitely use the full legal name of the company. If you're an active importer, check what's on file with CBP for your company name, because you'll want those to match. You may need to work with your broker to file a CBP 5106 to update your company name.

May I ask, are you speaking of being an LCB in general or working at Star?

@kaylajackson2700 we have a LOT of newbies in our classes that pass very successfully! Often they're people working in other industries altogether who want to transition into international trade.

Hey @sacire1! A user's access is usually limited to their own activity, although parties like sureties can see other information. My guess is that you likely have access to reports like manifests, which would give you information for your purposes! Feel free to email me ([email protected]) if you'd like to chat about your specific use case!

We're so glad it was helpful!

Hi there! It does start on a set date, but we have several students who sign up and use it on their own pace and take the following exam instead of the one coming up. Reference materials can be purchased on your own, and we're also putting together a materials option for student convenience. It usually runs ~$500 for materials. Once licensed, you absolutely can use those materials, but you're likely to use the online versions for simpler search and to account for updates. Customers can be found via a wide variety of ways, or you can work for a brokerage company to build up experience and gain contacts.

Hi Yolanda! The two programs that we were discussing are the Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) and Certified Export Specialist (CES) programs that the NCBFAA administers. Check them out here for more information: www.ncbfaa.org/education/certifications

Hey @kevinp725! We hear you on all of the changes with the new interface. We're excited to update this training to reflect the changes, but we're waiting a little bit (probably a few more months!) until CBP finishes up the majority of their changes. In the meantime, if you have specific questions, please feel free to email us via [email protected] to get some answers!

Hey @sincara7623! It can impact your chances, but generally if you show that you are not at risk of committing financial crimes, it isn't such a bad thing. I've known people whose credit isn't excellent but their reputation is be just fine.

@shenyeng1703: we're not lawyers and cannot provide legal advice. It's our experience that piercing the corporate veil is not a common practice. Some criminal acts could certainly result in the involved federal agencies seeking such outcomes through legal proceedings, meaning everything happens through the judicial system rather than simply issuing a penalty statement (like CBP might do for import violations). Additionally, there are whistleblower protections and other ways to limit your personal liability -- if this is a topic of interest, I would recommend researching "qui tam" suits under the False Claims Act (FCA) - you could start on the Dept. of Justice website if you're interested in learning more: www.justice.gov/civil/false-claims-act. Additionally, the BIS publishes a document about past violations titled "Don't Let This Happen To You" -- the most recent version was just updated and published yesterday (Dec. 6 2023) and can be downloaded here. www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/enforcement/1005-don-t-let-this-happen-to-you-1 This document discusses some of the cases the BIS has brought, including who was found liable and what the penalties included -- this may help you understand how personal liability is addressed in real-world scenarios. The resources referenced in this particular webinar can be found on our website here: starusa.org/webinars/restricted-party-screening/

Hi there! starusa.org/customs-broker-exam-prep-course/ is the link with information.

Lots of companies hire LCBs, including importers, exporters, manufacturers, and brokerages! Try searching on Indeed or other job sites for that credential and see what you find?

If you have a lot of time, 19 CFR is a great read!

(In all seriousness, start with the Informed Compliance Publication on Entry, that'll give you a good overview.)

Good morning! Anyone can take the course, but in the 2022 revisions, CBP announced that all Customs business (practicing as a broker) must happen in the United States.

@@StarUSAInc Sounds great.I am currently based outside and wanted to start the course online.I will be based in LA soon thus will practice from within the USA 🇺🇸

@@StarUSAInc what is someone has a custom brokerage license in a Caribbean country , and migrate to the USA would there license be valid for jobs ?

@@health124. Hi! Each country/group of countries has their own licensing program, and they don't transfer from one to another. You would have a wealth of experience you could bring to US jobs, though!

Many companies have jobs that would benefit from a licensed customs broker, and there are also large brokerage firms that have openings!

There's no specific credit score! CBP is looking to see that you are of good moral character and capable of handling finances, since a broker often pays CBP on behalf of the client. The finances are more of an issue when it comes to business license applications.

In my experience, this sort of thing happens a lot and has to do with the folks who work for Freight Forwarders following internal processes without fully understanding their role and obligations. My preferred approach is to provide gentle feedback along the lines of "Under the regulations, this is a Routed Transaction and as the USPPI, my obligation is to provide you only those data elements specified under 15 CFR 30.3(e). Additionally, I would like to request a copy of the written authorization provided to you by the FPPI so that I can be sure that you are the duly appointed Authorized Agent responsible for filing the EEI and so that I can maintain this for my own records." This puts the Forwarder on notice that they are working with an informed exporter, and that they should be more diligent in communications with you going forward, and it also gives you an opportunity to identify any red flags in the transaction that you might rather know about in advance. Good luck!

@@StarUSAInc I have now changed my normal response to the above. Thank you for the incredible fast response!

Hi there! If you'd like to apply to take the exam, you'll need to do that here: www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/customs-brokers/license-examination-notice-examination If you'd like to apply for the scholarship, please do that here: starusa.org/scholarship/ If you'd like to register for the course, please do that here: starusa.org/product/customs-broker-exam-prep-course/

We strongly recommend that all records of screening the parties you're engaged in the transaction with are retained for five years. The software company you work with should be able to provide you a download prior to revoking any access. If the company won't provide it to you, you should be able to pull a report of transactions that you can retain internally. We're glad the video is helpful!

@@StarUSAInc thank you soo much for your detailed reply. I’ll look into it with the software company. Can a company export to Venezuela if the product falls under EAR99?

@@popaki9484 Since presumably the EAR99 items are not controlled under the EAR or ITAR, you still need to factor in the other restrictions, such as OFAC. I recommend reviewing the OFAC sanctions and embargoes at this link (ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/venezuela-related-sanctions), and also reviewing what the the State (www.state.gov/venezuela-related-sanctions/) and Commerce Departments have to say. You can always get a Commodities Jurisdiction ruling, or else contact the US Commercial Services office if you want to get more info directly!

sorry, I am a little bit confused, is 90% the exam passing rate or your course passing rate? thank you.

@@jimmylee6361 Hi Jimmy, thanks for following up! For our students who pass the course, 90% of them pass the exam.

@@StarUSAInc thanks for information, it is so great! I am going to join the class after I become a US citizen since I am a PR at this moment.

@MarlinGreen-jp1tv Hi there! Check your email - we're looking forward to touching base with you!

@MarlinGreen-jp1tv We've emailed you!

Hi there! When the broker or filer files, they attribute it to your tax ID (Importer of Record number). It will then show up in your ACE reports, even if you didn't file it.

Good morning - this isn't something that we're seeing regulatory impact on in the US. We know that a few governments around the world have banned exports of scrap metal, most temporarily, as a way to combat theft (especially of copper).

Hi Tabuna! We are experts in the United States Customs Broker Regulations, but each country has their own unique regs. It looks like this is a decent link to the Solomon Islands customs broker next steps. solomons.gov.sb/ministry-of-finance-and-treasury/customs-and-excise-division/essential-services/obtain-a-customs-clearing-agent-brokers-license/

This is a great question! Unfortunately, the regulations require full citizenship to take the customs broker license exam, and to become a customs broker in the U.S.

Hi Sandra! I'm reluctant to provide links because the specific items required for the exam change each time. CBP links to them on their "License Examination Notice" page, under the "Reference Materials" part. www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/customs-brokers/license-examination-notice-examination You can purchase the materials from anywhere, including Amazon or the Government Printing Office or SavQuick, once you're sure they're the right editions.

Hi Elida! There are no specific requirements for export invoices the way there are for import, but usually the gross weight comes on the packing list / bill of lading.

@@StarUSAInc thank you for confirming. That’s my understanding as well. You are awesome!

You do need to be a US citizen to get your US Customs Brokers License. Many places will hire licensed customs brokers, including firms that do brokerage, and many large companies that import and want knowledgeable in-house compliance staff.

Hi Delfino! This answer is going to vary from person to person. It'll depend on things like your test-taking prowess, how familiar you are with the regulations and classification, and how long you've been prepping. If you're only prepping for ~ 10 weeks before the exam, I'd plan to study for 10-20 hours per week. Some of that time will be reading, some will be answering questions, some will be prepping your materials by highlighting and tabbing and making margin notes to help you cross-reference. Some may be watching videos on topics and taking notes!

Just got your reply from one of your recent videos. 19 CFR 111.13(b) was your answer which explains what I needed to know. I really wasn't ready to give up.

@@clicknetusa We completely understand your frustration! I'm not 100% on the logic, just that it is currently the law.

Hi Chris! This is a great question, and one I can't give you the logic of because we weren't part of making the rule. We've had that question a time or two when we've proctored exams for government employees. The rule is in 19 CFR 111.13(b), where it lays out the requirements for taking the exam.

​@@StarUSAInc ​ Thank you. Makes me sad. I started working recently for the TSA and hadn't intended to give up my desire to get my customs broker's license. I know that as a TSA agent I may have the opportunity to transfer into the CBP agency, but it would be in a different role, I'm pretty sure. I hope CBP changes its policy.

@@clicknetusa FYI you don't need to have a broker's license to work for CBP, just to work as a licensed customs broker who reports information to CBP. Congratulations on your TSA job!

Hi! Each country has different requirements for a customs broker license, and we don't have any countries that have reciprocal licenses. You must be a U.S. citizen to have a U.S. customs broker license. CBP is also passing a rule that to perform U.S. customs business you must be physically within the U.S., so you cannot do U.S. customs business in Dubai, Turkey, or China.

Good morning! CBP posts some recent exams on their website here. www.cbp.gov/document/publications/past-customs-broker-license-examinations-answer-keys

This is a great question! You don't need a four-year degree in the U.S. to become a licensed customs broker. You do need: (1) to be a citizen of the US and NOT a government employee, (2) to be 21, (3) to be of "good moral character", and (4) to have passed the customs broker exam within the last three years.

Hi Kamran! There are items that are provided for ease of reference only, and those are: table of contents, alphabetical index, the titles to sections, chapters, and subchapters, the 10-digit statistical reporting numbers, the statistical annotations, units of quantity, footnotes, chapter statistical notes, and the explanatory notes.