Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is espousing the benefits of newly issued customs broker education guidance, which would bolster compliant trade and protect against illicit trade entering domestic commerce.
Senior Official Performing the Duties of Commissioner Troy A. Miller said the new training requirements for customs brokers represent an important step forward in enhancing trade enforcement.
“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,” Miller said.
According to CBP, the guidance requires individual customs brokers to earn 36 hours of continuing education every three years on evolving customs rules and related domestic trade laws in order for customs brokers to maintain a valid license.
“Each day, customs brokers facilitate the movement of an estimated 107,500 shipments worth $9.2 billion into the United States,” CBP Office of Trade Executive Assistant Commissioner AnnMarie R. Highsmith said. “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.”
CBP will offer additional guidance on continuing education requirements for the upcoming 2024-2027 triennial status period and will provide information on course offerings through CBP and partner U.S. government agencies on a future date.