A Customs Broker is a private individual, partnership, association, or corporation licensed by CBP under 19 U.S.C. § 1641 to transact customs business on behalf of others — typically importers of record. Brokers are the primary intermediaries between importers and CBP, filing the overwhelming majority of U.S. entries.
To become a licensed broker, an individual must:
- Be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years old
- Pass the Customs Broker License Exam (CBLE), administered twice a year — the exam has historically had a pass rate of around 10-15%
- Submit to a background investigation
- Be of good moral character
Once licensed, a broker operates under a Power of Attorney (POA) granted by each individual importer client. The POA authorizes the broker to sign and file entry summaries, pay duties, and otherwise act on the importer's behalf.
Broker responsibilities include:
- Determining the correct HTS code, country of origin, and customs value
- Filing entries via ACE and ABI
- Posting bonds and paying duties
- Maintaining records for the statutory five-year period
- Advising importers on reasonable care and compliance
Crucially, the broker does not assume legal liability for the entry — the importer of record remains responsible for duties, taxes, and penalties. Brokers can be subject to penalties under 19 U.S.C. § 1641 for negligent or willful violations of their duties.