Customs Compliance & Brokerage

Introduction to Customs Brokers and Import Agencies

Define the meaning of “”admissibility”” in the context of international trade
Understand the mission(s) of the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Gain awareness of the various types of imported products which are subject to import regulation, restriction and/or U.S.
compliance requirements

Customs Broker and Importer Relationships

Define the type of relationship which CBP regulations specify exists between a customs broker and importer with
respect to “customs business”
Explain the basic functions and characteristics of a customs bond
Identify the circumstances under which a customs broker becomes liable to CBP for payment of customs duty
on behalf of an importer

2 Lessons

Customs Broker’s Role in Supply Chain and Beyond

Define the meaning of “informed compliance” under the U.S. Customs Modernization Act of 1993
Explain the benefits a customs broker may achieve by networking with other brokers and forwarders around the world
Describe the key factors that should encourage customs brokers to develop more consulting business with importers

Customs Broker’s Professional Conduct

Name the five key client satisfaction do’s and don’ts (doing things R.I.G.H.T.)
Learn how to convey an impression of professional competence and respect
Describe practical guidelines for interacting with CBP officers and staff

2 Lessons

Customs Broker’s Relationships

Define the type of relationship which CBP regulations specify exists between a customs broker and importer with
respect to “customs business”
Explain the duty which an agent has to his principle
Identify items of information a customs broker must ask of the importing carrier or break bulk agent or
determine from the transport document

4 Lessons

Import/Customs Broker Responsibilities & Transactions

Explain the function and importance of an arrival notice
Identify the various locations where customs clearance may be accomplished
Name two things a customs broker does to initiate a customs clearance transaction

2 Lessons

Customs Entry and Cargo Release Process

Key process steps necessary to initiate a customs broker transaction
What an importer bond is and when it is needed
Timeframes for conditional customs release

2 Lessons

ABI System and Imports Subject to Processsing by U.S. Agencies

What the ABI does
The relevance of the Customs Automated Commercial Environment (“ACE”) to ABI
Gain awareness of the various types of imported products that are subject to import regulation, restriction, and/or
U.S. compliance requirements

2 Lessons

Customs Entry Process and Information Requirements

List manual tasks involved in customs entry filing and describe key process steps to initiate a customs broker transaction, including standard importer information and instructions needed.
Understand Customs entry information requirements, the purpose and need for an importer bond, and when to submit a CBP Form 5106 Importer ID Input Record.

2 Lessons

The Customs Broker’s Role with Import Transactions and Cargo Movement

Explain the range of customs brokerage services and related fee structures, including factors influencing broker charges, customs bonds, and invoicing practices for delivery, transportation, and terminal services.
Identify key compliance and financial responsibilities of a customs broker, including recordkeeping obligations and circumstances under which a broker may become liable to CBP for duty payment.
Describe transportation coordination responsibilities required to support timely customs clearance, including arrival notices, cargo availability, and communication with importing carriers.
Apply operational workflows for initiating and managing customs clearance transactions from shipment notification through post-entry cargo coordination and on-carriage.
Explain the broker’s role in managing risk and cargo movement, including the purpose of open cargo insurance policies and the steps taken after entry processing to ensure delivery to the importer.

Course Catalog

Introduction to Customs Brokers and Import Agencies

Customs Broker and Importer Relationships

Customs Broker’s Role in Supply Chain and Beyond

Customs Broker’s Professional Conduct

Customs Broker’s Relationships

Import/Customs Broker Responsibilities & Transactions

Customs Entry and Cargo Release Process

ABI System and Imports Subject to Processsing by U.S. Agencies

Customs Entry Process and Information Requirements

The Customs Broker’s Role with Import Transactions and Cargo Movement

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