Customs Broker (Recession Proof)

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If you ever wondered who is the ultimate middle man when it comes to importing it is a Customs Broker. The job of a Customs broker is to do the paperwork of all the importers that import items into the United States. Since Customs doesn’t want all the importers in the world flooding their buildings they decided to create a Broker to act as a middle man. The essential job of a Customs Broker is to classify every item that comes into the United States. Classifying means to assign a 10-digit number to all items. So believe it or not for every item in the world Customs has assigned a 10-digit number to it. With this 10-digit number Customs can process millions of imports a day by the Customs broker transmitting this number to Customs electronically and Customs either  deciding to see the paperwork or to let it come in without a hold up.

If you are a United States citizen at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma, you can become a customs broker. This career offers great opportunities for growth and requires minimal training. Customs broker jobs are in demand. Follow the steps below to get started in this high-income career.

1. Visit the United States Customs and Border Protection website and type the words “customs broker” in the search box, then press the green “Go” button. Click Here
2. Meet eligibility requirements as listed under the “Who is eligible to become qualified as a Customs broker?” heading.
3. Find a customs broker training course. There are no required number of credit hours, so online courses and seminars are ideal. Click Here
4. Study for the Customs Broker License Examination.
5. Locate the port where you want to transact customs business as a broker. Scroll down to the “Customer Broker License Examination” heading and click on the word “Port.” Go down the list of states and select the appropriate port.
6. Submit examination application to the port with fee 30 days in advance. Take and pass the Customs Broker License Examination.
7. Receive your notification letter verifying that you passed the exam. Submit a broker license application within 3 years from the date of the letter, along with appropriate fees, to the port.
8. Wait for your application to be approved by the United States Customs and Border Patrol agency.
9. Become a certified customs broker. Start looking for customs broker jobs, work as a freelancer or open your own customs brokerage.

Costs to become a Customs Broker – $685 in total

1. $200 fee to take the test
2. Test given on 1st Monday of April and October
3. Study at Home Program – $225
4. Regulation Books $130 -
5. Harmonized Tariff Schedule – $130

Anyone can pass this test as the test is open book, open notes. The test is a 80 question MULTIPLE CHOICE test and they allow 4 hours for you to complete it. So if you tab your regulation books and get organized you should pass it. Don’t cut corners as most people get bored and don’t study for it. You do not need to have worked in the field in order to pass the test. Once you pass you’ll have to take a FBI background check and fingerprint.

There are a lot of jobs for Customs Brokers as the test has a 3% passage rate. So if you pass it will not be hard for you to get a job and after that start your own brokerage. Depending on where you want to live will determine how much business you will get. The biggest ports are LA, NY, Detroit, Seattle and San Francisco. The other ports are more specific for certain items like Baltimore is for cars and Miami is for flowers. The more items you get used to seeing the better a Customs Broker you will be.

Trade started the USA and will always be a part of this country. So if you get in and pass this test you will have a job for the rest of your life. Also, when you move you can take the business with you.

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