CBP Introduces Continuing Education Requirements for Customs Brokers

CBP Introduces Continuing Education Requirements for Customs Brokers

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recently announced a significant change for customs brokers: a mandatory continuing education requirement. This new regulation aims to ensure that brokers remain knowledgeable about the ever-evolving landscape of customs rules and U.S. trade laws, enhancing compliance and trade enforcement.

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What’s Changing?

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Starting from February 1, 2024, all licensed customs brokers will be required to complete 36 hours of continuing education every three years. This initiative is part of CBP’s broader strategy to improve the competency of customs brokers and reduce the incidence of penalties, audits, and compliance issues. According to Troy A. Miller, SeniorOfficial Performing the Duties of Commissioner, "As the volume of global trade increases and global supply chains grow ever more complex, the role of the customs broker also evolves, necessitating that they remain up to date on emerging priorities and regulations" (HS Today, 2024).

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Key Partnerships for Accreditation

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On June 27, 2023, CBP announced the selection of five key entities to develop and oversee the accreditation standards:

            • E-Merchants Trade Council

            • International Compliance Professionals Association

            • National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America Educational Institute

            • Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg

            • TrüTrade Solutions

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These organizations will play a critical role in ensuring that the educational activities meet the required standards and provide valuable knowledge to customs brokers (CBP, 2024; HSToday, 2024).

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Types of Educational Activities

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Brokers can earn their continuing education credits through a variety of activities, including:

            • In-person or online courses

            • Seminars and webinars

            • Workshops and symposia

            • Conventions

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Training provided by CBP or other federal agencies will automatically qualify for credits, while other training programs will need prior approval from the selected accreditors (Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., 2024).

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Implementation Timeline

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For the first triennial period (2024-2027), the number of required credits will be prorated due to the shorter timeframe. Brokers will need to report their compliance with these new requirements in their triennial status reports, starting with the reports due between December 15, 2026, and February 28, 2027 (CH Robinson, 2024).

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Preparing for Compliance

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Brokers are encouraged to stay informed by bookmarking the CBP continuing education webpage and signing up for updates via the Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS). Further guidance and updates will be provided through these channels and the Federal Register (CBP,2024).

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This new requirement marks a significant step forward in professionalizing the customs brokerage field and ensuring that brokers are well-prepared to handle the complexities of modern trade. As AnnMarie R. Highsmith, Executive Assistant Commissioner for CBP’s Office ofTrade, noted, “These new requirements will ensure that customs brokers stay up to date on U.S. trade laws and regulations – building in another critical layer of protection against bad actors looking to take advantage of increased trade to hide illegal products that would directly harm consumers and the economy”(HS Today, 2024).

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References

CBP. (2024). Customs Broker Continuing Education. Retrieved from CBP

CH Robinson. (2024). CBP Issues Final Rule on Continuing Education for Customs Brokers. Retrieved from CH Robinson

HS Today. (2024). CBP Introduces Customs Broker Education Requirements. Retrieved from HS Today

Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. (2024). Customs Brokers Get Continuing Education Mandate Under CBP Rule. Retrieved from Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg