CBLE study guide
CBLE · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Customs Broker License Examination (CBLE) is the licensing exam administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for individuals who want to become licensed customs brokers - the professionals who prepare and file entries for importers and who are held personally accountable to CBP for the accuracy of what they submit. The CBLE study guide has 9 sections and about 2,791 words.
01Customs Broker Regulations, Licensing, and Broker Responsibilities (19 CFR Part 111)
Part 111 controls who may transact customs business for others and how that business is conducted. A candidate must know the difference between the individual broker license (earned through CBP's written examination and application process, with a passing score of 75%) and the permit that authorizes practice at a port or nationally.
356 words, about 2 min02Entry of Merchandise: Entry Process, Entry Summary, Bonds, and Surety Requirements (19 CFR Parts 113, 141-143)
Entry is the formal presentation of imported merchandise to CBP and the point at which estimated duties are deposited. Know the right to make entry : the importer of record may be the consignee, owner, purchaser, or a duly authorized agent, and a broker files on behalf of the importer under a power of attorney.
338 words, about 2 min03Tariff Classification Under the HTSUS: General Rules of Interpretation and Additional U.S. Rules
Classification is hierarchical. Start with GRI 1 : the terms of the headings and any relevant section or chapter notes control.
305 words, about 2 min04Appraisement and Valuation of Imported Merchandise (19 CFR Part 152)
Valuation uses six sequential methods: transaction value , transaction value of identical merchandise, transaction value of similar merchandise, deductive value , computed value , and fallback. Transaction value is the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold for export to the United States, plus specified additions: packing costs, selling commissions, assists (materials, tools, engineering, etc.
311 words, about 2 min05Duties, Fees, Taxes, Liquidation, and Duty Drawback (19 CFR Parts 24, 159, 190)
Duties are computed from the classified value and duty rate. Know the common fees: the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) is generally 0.3464% ad valorem with annual minimum and maximum amounts for formal entries; the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) is 0.125% ad valorem on commercial vessel cargo.
309 words, about 2 min06Special and Preferential Duty Programs, Free Trade Agreements, and Foreign Trade Zones (19 CFR Parts 10, 146)
Preferential programs reduce or eliminate duties when goods satisfy an origin rule and procedural requirements. Candidates must understand USMCA , other free trade agreements, and unilateral programs such as AGOA and CBI.
304 words, about 2 min07Administrative Rulings, Protests, and Post-Entry Remedies (19 CFR Parts 173-177)
CBP issues prospective administrative rulings , commonly on classification, valuation, origin, and marking. A ruling request must present complete and accurate facts; the ruling binds CBP only with respect to the requester and the described transaction.
289 words, about 1 min08Enforcement: Examinations, Searches, Seizures, Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures (19 CFR Parts 162, 171)
CBP enforcement powers include examination of merchandise, inspection of documents, searches of persons and conveyances, and seizure and forfeiture. Border searches of persons and baggage generally do not require a warrant, while other searches may require process.
295 words, about 1 min09Other Agency Requirements, Import Restrictions, and Trade Facilitation Programs
Many imports require clearance by Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) in addition to CBP. Know the common examples: FDA for food, drugs, devices, and cosmetics; USDA for meat, poultry, and plant products; CPSC for consumer products; EPA for pesticides and vehicles; ATF for alcohol, tobacco, and firearms; NHTSA for vehicles; and FWS for wildlife.
284 words, about 1 min