CBP Considering Requiring Add'l Info in Form 5106 for New Importers

June 25, 2012 by Tim Warren|Top News

CBP said it will seek to modify CBP Form 5106 to "more proactively collect information about importers that can be vetted by CBP." The Form 5106 revisions will apply only to new importers and others requiring an importer number for doing business with CBP, it said. CBP recently posted written responses to questions that came up in its June 7 Webinar exploring an update on broker regulations.

(The Importer ID Input Record (CBP Form 5106) is used to identify entities who wish to import merchandise in to the U.S., act as consignee on an importation when not the importer of record, or otherwise do business with CBP that would involve the payment or refund of duties, taxes, fees or other monies. Each person, business firm, government agency, or other organization that intends to file an import entry must file CBP Form 5106 with the first formal entry or request for services that will result in the issuance of a bill or a refund check upon adjustment of a cash collection. This form must also be filed by or on behalf of the ultimate consignee at the first importation in which the party acting as ultimate consignee is so named.)

Any changes will be subject to public comment prior to any adoption or implementation, said CBP.

(CBP held the first of several Webinars focused on the “Role of the Broker” on June 7. See ITT's Online Archives 12060826 for summary of the June 7 webinar. See ITT's Online Archives 12062211 for summary of the June 21 Webinar.)

Exploring CHB Exam Usefulness

CBP said it is continuing to explore the usefulness of the exam to test the readiness of individuals to become licensed customs brokers with a wide range of responsibilities in trade compliance and the filing of entries. CBP continues to collaborate with the broker community to increase the level of broker knowledge, expertise, and professionalism—a direct correlation to the value of obtaining and retaining a broker’s license, said CBP

CBP said although the pass rate for the April 2012 exam was lower than in previous years, the questions used on the exam, covered a broad range of issues a broker may encounter during daily business, including: value, classification, admissibility, related laws and regulations pertaining to conducting customs business.

(See ITT's Online Archives 12052432 for summary of a recent COAC meeting in which the low exam score was discussed.)