Responsible Supervision & Control

19 CFR 111.28 requires that every licensed customs broker exercise responsible supervision and control over the transaction of customs business. This is one of the most fundamental obligations of a customs broker and the most frequently tested topic on the CBLE. The broker must ensure that customs business is conducted with due diligence and accuracy.

Responsible supervision includes: (1) maintaining current knowledge of customs laws and regulations; (2) directly supervising employees who handle customs business; (3) establishing and maintaining written supervisory procedures; (4) ensuring proper classification, valuation, and entry of merchandise; and (5) being available to answer questions from CBP regarding any customs transaction handled by the broker's office.

Failure to exercise responsible supervision and control can result in: suspension or revocation of the broker's license; monetary penalties; and liability for errors made by unsupervised employees. CBP may also impose additional requirements on brokers found to be deficient in their supervisory obligations.