Customs Certified Specialist Exam

Questions and Answers

Who is the Commissioner of CBP filled by?

Presidential nomination, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

CBP gave rise to which of the following agencies? (Select all that apply)

U.S. Coast Guard (correct)

National Institute of Standards and Technology (correct)

Department of Veterans Affairs (correct)

The Bureau of the Census is a component of the Department of Homeland Security.

False

What is one responsibility that CBP does not encompass?

Licensing imported firearms. Signup and view all the answers

What is not a Homeland Security mission?

Supporting U.S. commercial interests. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 concepts of the Mod Act?

Informed Compliance; Shared Responsibility; Reasonable Care. Signup and view all the answers

Which Act included an amendment that required a change regarding the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States?

The Tariff Act of 1930. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Trade Act of 2002 do?

Renew the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA), expand the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), require advance electronic manifest information. Signup and view all the answers

Column 2 rates of duty apply to countries that?

Do not engage in normal trade relations with the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

Administrative and salesman salaries are considered a direct cost of processing under GSP.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which was the first Arab country to enact a free trade agreement with the United States?

Jordan. Signup and view all the answers

Where can you find a list of all the symbols corresponding to special trade programs?

General Note 3. Signup and view all the answers

What program established benefits for workers displaced by job loss?

Trade Act of 2002. Signup and view all the answers

To qualify for NAFTA Criterion C, what is required?

Goods are required to be produced entirely in the territory of one or more of the NAFTA countries exclusively from originating materials. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following goods are not allowed into the U.S.? (Select all that apply)

Products of convict labor Signup and view all the answers

Import and/or export of arms, ammunition, explosives, and implements of war may be subject to regulations of:

DDTC and BATF. Signup and view all the answers

Importation of birds, cats, dogs, monkeys, and turtles are subject to the requirements of:

Public Health, CDC, APHIS. Signup and view all the answers

A licensed broker may represent any client before CBP provided they hold a valid Power of Attorney.

True Signup and view all the answers

How often must every Customs broker file a status report with Customs and Border Protection?

Every 3 years. Signup and view all the answers

What should a Power of Attorney list?

Legal name of both the customs broker and the principal granting the power. Signup and view all the answers

What does Prima Facie mean?

On the face of it, or as it appears to be. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mutatis Mutandis mean?

The necessary changes having been made. Signup and view all the answers

What does Inter Alia mean?

Among other things, and that the classification is not restricted to what is listed. Signup and view all the answers

In the HTSUS, duty rates generally vary according to the degree of manufacture of imported goods.

True Signup and view all the answers

What authority does CBP not have?

Determine the deposit rate for anti-dumping duty assessments. Signup and view all the answers

Any royalty or license fee the buyer is required to pay as a condition of sale for export to the U.S., must:

Be added to the entered value of the merchandise. Signup and view all the answers

What is the J-List?

A marking exception listing. Signup and view all the answers

What does Chapter 91, Additional U.S. Note 4, to the HTSUS, set forth?

Special marking requirements for clocks and watches. Signup and view all the answers

Under the MOD Act, a marking duty of _____ of the final appraised value shall be assessed unless the goods are exported or destroyed prior to liquidation.

10% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are prohibited from entering the commerce of the U.S.? (Select all that apply)

Articles for causing unlawful abortion Signup and view all the answers

What is restricted when entering the U.S.?

Alcoholic beverages. Signup and view all the answers

Who issues the Certificate of Eligibility for goods entering the U.S.?

The Import and Export Controls Division, Textiles and Clothing Section of International Trade Canada (ITCan) and Secretaria de Economia, Mexico. Signup and view all the answers

Once the allowed quantity for a TPL is reached, any further imports of that product into the U.S. are:

Dutiable at the Column 1 General rate of duty. Signup and view all the answers

Manifest data for rail shipments must be received by CBP no later than _____ before arrival at the first U.S. port.

2 hours. Signup and view all the answers

What does a continuous surety importation bond cover?

Multiple transactions within a one-year period. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 exceptions where the rates of duty at the time of entry are not applicable?

Merchandise entered for warehouse, merchandise entered for immediate transportation, merchandise entered for consumption but removed from customs custody before release and then returned within 90 days (overcarried merchandise). Signup and view all the answers

What program allows expedited release for qualifying commercial shipments between the U.S. and Canada and the U.S. and Mexico?

FAST. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step for entering goods into the U.S.?

CBP Form 3461. Signup and view all the answers

Payment of duties to a customs broker does not relieve the importer of liability if the duties are not paid by the customs broker to Customs.

True Signup and view all the answers

There are a series of additional special situations where duty deposits are not required. EXCEPT?

Quota class merchandise. Signup and view all the answers

What is the time period for filing a Manifest Discrepancy Report (MDR) by the importing carrier?

60 days for vessel, 30 days for aircraft, and 60 days for vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

If you are returning from a foreign country other than Mexico and it has been less than 48 hours, you are entitled to how much in duty-free exemption?

$200. Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of duty rates called? (Select all that apply)

Compound Signup and view all the answers

What is the merchandise processing fee for an informal automated entry?

$2. Signup and view all the answers

When CBP notifies a recordkeeper and requests records in connection with a determination of admissibility or the release of specific merchandise, in what period of time does the recordkeeper have to produce those records?

30 calendar days. Signup and view all the answers

Records must be maintained for ________ from the date of entry or from the date of the activity which required the creation of the record.

5 years. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a provision of the law that allows penalties to be reduced and in some cases eliminated?

Prior Disclosure. Signup and view all the answers

With two exceptions, most articles imported under a TIB must be exported within _, but the allowed time limit may be extended up to _

1 year, 3 years Signup and view all the answers

In terms of an antidumping duty, which of the following best defines the term Dumping Margin?

The difference between the price of the goods in the foreign market and the selling price in the United States. Signup and view all the answers

Failure to file the ADD reimbursement Certification will result in CBP assessing what percentage of the antidumping duties upon liquidation?

200%. Signup and view all the answers

How long from the date of export or destruction must a drawback claim, complete with full supporting documentation, be filed with CBP?

3 years. Signup and view all the answers

For all unused merchandise or manufactured articles that are to be destroyed, the CBP Form 7553 must be filed at the port where the destruction is to take place at least _____ the intended date of destruction.

Seven working days prior to. Signup and view all the answers

The reconciliation is due within __ of the first entry summary flagged for and grouped on an FTA 520(d) reconciliation, or within of the earliest entry summary date.

12 months and 21 months. Signup and view all the answers

An importer can challenge a liquidation by filing a protest on a _____________ with the port director whose decision is being protested, at the port where the entry was made.

CBP Form 19. Signup and view all the answers

In 19 USC 1520, it states the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to refund duties or other receipts in all of the following cases, except:

90 days following liquidation Signup and view all the answers

Entries into the United States usually liquidate within _____ from the date of entry.

314 days. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the DHS and DOE program under which all containers destined to the United States are to be scanned prior to loading when exported from participating seaports?

Secure Freight Initiative. Signup and view all the answers

For which of the following are bonded warehouses used? (Select all that apply)

Goods that have not been released by Customs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Commissioner of CBP

The position is filled by presidential nomination and requires Senate confirmation.

CBP gave rise to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Coast Guard, and Department of Veterans Affairs.

Department of Homeland Security

Bureau of the Census is not a component of Homeland Security.

CBP Responsibilities

CBP does not encompass licensing imported firearms and does not support U.S. commercial interests as a Homeland Security mission.

Mod Act Concepts

Key concepts of the Mod Act include Informed Compliance, Shared Responsibility, and Reasonable Care.

Harmonized Tariff Schedule Amendments

The Tariff Act of 1930 includes an amendment requiring changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).

Trade Act of 2002

Renewed the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA), expanded the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), mandated advance electronic manifest information for all transport modes, and renewed the GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) program.

Column 2 Rates of Duty

These rates apply to countries not engaging in normal trade relations with the U.S.

GSP Direct Costs

Administrative and salesman salaries are not considered direct costs under GSP.

First Arab Free Trade Agreement

Jordan was the first Arab country to enact a free trade agreement with the United States.

Trade Program Symbols

A list of symbols for special trade programs can be found in General Note 3 of the HTSUS.

Worker Benefits Program

The Trade Act of 2002 established benefits for workers displaced by job loss.

NAFTA Qualification Criterion C

Goods must be produced entirely within NAFTA countries and exclusively from originating materials.

Prohibited Imports

Items such as drug paraphernalia, products of convict labor, and counterfeit coins are not allowed in the U.S.

Regulation of Arms Imports

Import/export of arms, ammunition, and explosives may be regulated by DDTC (Directorate of Defense Trade Controls) and BATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives).

Animal Import Requirements

Importation of specific animals (birds, dogs, cats, monkeys, turtles) is subject to regulations by Public Health, CDC, and APHIS.

Customs Broker Representation

A licensed broker can represent clients before CBP if they hold a valid Power of Attorney.

Customs Status Report

Customs brokers must file a status report with CBP every three years.

Power of Attorney Specifications

Should list the legal names of both the customs broker and the principal granting it.

Legal Terms

Prima Facie: On the face of it; appears to be true.
Mutatis Mutandis: Necessary changes made.
Inter Alia: Among other things, implying the list is not exhaustive.

Duty Rate Structure

In the HTSUS, duty rates vary based on the degree of manufacture of imported goods.

Anti-Dumping Duty Assessments

CBP lacks statutory authority to determine anti-dumping duty deposit rates.

Royalty Fees

Any royalty or license fee required as a condition of sale for exports to the U.S. must be added to the merchandise's entered value.

The J-List

The J-List contains marking exception listings.

Clocks and Watches Marking

Chapter 91, Additional U.S. Note 4 of the HTSUS specifies special marking requirements for clocks and watches.

Marking Duty for Incorrectly Marked Articles

A marking duty of 10% on the final appraised value is assessed for unmarked or incorrectly marked articles, unless they are exported or destroyed before liquidation.

Prohibited Commerce Items

Items not allowed in U.S. commerce include obscene matter, lottery materials, dog and cat fur, and articles for unlawful abortion.

Import Restrictions

Alcoholic beverages face restrictions when entering the U.S.

Certificate of Eligibility

Issued by International Trade Canada or Secretaria de Economia, Mexico for goods entering the U.S.

Tariff Rate Quotas (TPL)

Once the allowed TPL quantity is reached, further imports are dutiable at the Column 1 General duty rate.

Manifest Data Deadline

Rail shipment manifest data must be received by CBP two hours before arrival at the first U.S. port.

Continuous Surety Importation Bond

Covers multiple transactions within one year.

Exceptions to Duty Rates

Merchandise entered for warehouse, immediate transportation, or overcarried merchandise can be exceptions to regular duty rate applicability.

Expedited Release Program

The FAST program allows expedited release for qualifying shipments between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Entry Process Start

The entry process for goods begins with CBP Form 3461.

Liability for Duties

Payment to a customs broker does not absolve the importer of liability if the broker fails to pay CBP.

Duty Deposit Exemptions

Special situations exist where duty deposits are not required, except for quota class merchandise.

Manifest Discrepancy Report (MDR) Timeline

The timeline for filing an MDR is 60 days for vessels, 30 days for aircraft, and 60 days for vehicles.

Duty-Free Exemption Amount

Returning travelers from non-border countries are entitled to a $200 duty-free exemption if less than 48 hours have passed since their last return.

Types of Duty Rates

Include ad valorem, specific, and compound rates.

Merchandise Processing Fee

The fee for an informal automated entry is $2.

Recordkeeping Requirements

Customs records must be maintained for five years from the date of entry or related activity.

Prior Disclosure Provision

Allows for penalties to be reduced or eliminated under certain conditions.

Temporary Import Bond (TIB) Export Timeline

Most articles imported under a TIB must be exported within one year, extendable up to three years with exceptions.

Antidumping Duty and Dumping Margin

The dumping margin defines the price difference between goods in foreign markets and their selling price in the U.S.

ADD Reimbursement Certification

Failure to file will lead to a 200% assessment of antidumping duties upon liquidation.

Drawback Claim Filing Period

Claims must be filed within three years from the date of export or destruction, with full documentation.

CBP Form 7553 for Destruction

Must be filed at least seven working days prior to the intended destruction date for unused merchandise.

Reconciliation Deadline

Reconciliation is due within 12 months of the first entry summary flagged or 21 months of the earliest summary date.

Protest Filing for Liquidation

A protest can be filed using CBP Form 19 with the port director at the entry port.

Duty Refund Authorization

According to 19 USC 1520, does not authorize refunds 90 days post-liquidation.

Entry Liquidation Timeline

Entries usually liquidate within 314 days from the date of entry.

Secure Freight Initiative

A program requiring scanning of all containers destined for the U.S. prior to loading from participating seaports.

Bonded Warehouses Use

Bonded warehouses are utilized for merchandise under examination by Customs and goods not yet released.

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Customs Certified Specialist Exam

Questions and Answers

Who is the Commissioner of CBP filled by?

CBP gave rise to which of the following agencies? (Select all that apply)

The Bureau of the Census is a component of the Department of Homeland Security.

What is one responsibility that CBP does not encompass?

What is not a Homeland Security mission?

What are the 3 concepts of the Mod Act?

Which Act included an amendment that required a change regarding the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States?

What did the Trade Act of 2002 do?

Column 2 rates of duty apply to countries that?

Administrative and salesman salaries are considered a direct cost of processing under GSP.

Which was the first Arab country to enact a free trade agreement with the United States?

Where can you find a list of all the symbols corresponding to special trade programs?

What program established benefits for workers displaced by job loss?

To qualify for NAFTA Criterion C, what is required?

Which of the following goods are not allowed into the U.S.? (Select all that apply)

Import and/or export of arms, ammunition, explosives, and implements of war may be subject to regulations of:

Importation of birds, cats, dogs, monkeys, and turtles are subject to the requirements of:

A licensed broker may represent any client before CBP provided they hold a valid Power of Attorney.

How often must every Customs broker file a status report with Customs and Border Protection?

What should a Power of Attorney list?

What does Prima Facie mean?

What does Mutatis Mutandis mean?

What does Inter Alia mean?

In the HTSUS, duty rates generally vary according to the degree of manufacture of imported goods.

What authority does CBP not have?

Any royalty or license fee the buyer is required to pay as a condition of sale for export to the U.S., must:

What is the J-List?

What does Chapter 91, Additional U.S. Note 4, to the HTSUS, set forth?

Under the MOD Act, a marking duty of _____ of the final appraised value shall be assessed unless the goods are exported or destroyed prior to liquidation.

Which of the following are prohibited from entering the commerce of the U.S.? (Select all that apply)

What is restricted when entering the U.S.?

Who issues the Certificate of Eligibility for goods entering the U.S.?

Once the allowed quantity for a TPL is reached, any further imports of that product into the U.S. are:

Manifest data for rail shipments must be received by CBP no later than _____ before arrival at the first U.S. port.

What does a continuous surety importation bond cover?

What are the 3 exceptions where the rates of duty at the time of entry are not applicable?

What program allows expedited release for qualifying commercial shipments between the U.S. and Canada and the U.S. and Mexico?

What is the first step for entering goods into the U.S.?

Payment of duties to a customs broker does not relieve the importer of liability if the duties are not paid by the customs broker to Customs.

There are a series of additional special situations where duty deposits are not required. EXCEPT?

What is the time period for filing a Manifest Discrepancy Report (MDR) by the importing carrier?

If you are returning from a foreign country other than Mexico and it has been less than 48 hours, you are entitled to how much in duty-free exemption?

What are the types of duty rates called? (Select all that apply)

What is the merchandise processing fee for an informal automated entry?

When CBP notifies a recordkeeper and requests records in connection with a determination of admissibility or the release of specific merchandise, in what period of time does the recordkeeper have to produce those records?

Records must be maintained for ________ from the date of entry or from the date of the activity which required the creation of the record.

Which of the following is a provision of the law that allows penalties to be reduced and in some cases eliminated?

With two exceptions, most articles imported under a TIB must be exported within _____, but the allowed time limit may be extended up to _____

In terms of an antidumping duty, which of the following best defines the term Dumping Margin?

Failure to file the ADD reimbursement Certification will result in CBP assessing what percentage of the antidumping duties upon liquidation?

How long from the date of export or destruction must a drawback claim, complete with full supporting documentation, be filed with CBP?

For all unused merchandise or manufactured articles that are to be destroyed, the CBP Form 7553 must be filed at the port where the destruction is to take place at least _____ the intended date of destruction.

The reconciliation is due within ____________ of the first entry summary flagged for and grouped on an FTA 520(d) reconciliation, or within __________ of the earliest entry summary date.

An importer can challenge a liquidation by filing a protest on a _____________ with the port director whose decision is being protested, at the port where the entry was made.

In 19 USC 1520, it states the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to refund duties or other receipts in all of the following cases, except:

Entries into the United States usually liquidate within _____ from the date of entry.

What is the name of the DHS and DOE program under which all containers destined to the United States are to be scanned prior to loading when exported from participating seaports?

For which of the following are bonded warehouses used? (Select all that apply)

Study Notes

Commissioner of CBP

CBP Related Agencies

Department of Homeland Security

CBP Responsibilities

Mod Act Concepts

Harmonized Tariff Schedule Amendments

Trade Act of 2002

Column 2 Rates of Duty

GSP Direct Costs

First Arab Free Trade Agreement

Trade Program Symbols

Worker Benefits Program

NAFTA Qualification Criterion C

Prohibited Imports

Regulation of Arms Imports

Animal Import Requirements

Customs Broker Representation

Customs Status Report

Power of Attorney Specifications

With two exceptions, most articles imported under a TIB must be exported within _, but the allowed time limit may be extended up to _

The reconciliation is due within __ of the first entry summary flagged for and grouped on an FTA 520(d) reconciliation, or within of the earliest entry summary date.