Once you are issued your US Customs Broker License, you incur certain obligations that are tied to your retention of it. The major administrative requirement is to prepare and file the Triennial Status Report (“TSR”) every three years with CBP and to submit the accompanying fee to the agency: This is a simple form that lets CBP know where you are, what you are doing, and that you continue to satisfy the licensing requirements. See 19 CFR §111.30(d). The report is due every three years from February 1, 1985; please note that the number of years you have been licensed broker is irrelevant. If you received your broker’s license on or before December 31, 2020, you still have the responsibility to file in the 2021 round.
The period for filing the triennial status report and its associated $100 fee runs from December 15, 2020 to February 28, 2021. Electronic filing of the report can be done via the US Customs portal – a link will be provided on the CBP website starting December 15th. You can still file a paper report with an accompanying check as long as the broker files with the Customs port that issued their license. No additional fees are charged when you make online credit, debit, or digital wallet fee payments. Customs brokers with active permits must also file an employee list, if applicable.
If a broker does not file the TSR before March 1st, their license will be suspended and they should receive a notice of suspension of their broker’s license from CBP. If the broker does not then file the TSR and accompanying fees within sixty days thereafter, their license will be revoked by operation of law.
It’s a simple report, it doesn’t cost much for what you get in return, and its essential to retain the license you worked so hard to get. Don’t let it pass by! File the TSR.
Robin W Grover
