Top 10 Questions for Customs House Broker Interview

1. What are the key responsibilities of a Customs House Broker?

As a Customs House Broker, I will be responsible for:

• Classifying imported and exported goods according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and determining the applicable duty rates.
• Preparing and filing customs entries and other required documents.

2. How do you stay up-to-date with changes in customs regulations?

• Regularly attending industry conferences and webinars.
• Subscribing to trade publications and newsletters.
• Consulting with experts in the field.

3. What are the different types of customs bonds?

• Single-entry bonds: Used for a single importation or exportation.
• Continuous bonds: Used for multiple importations or exportations over a period of time.
• Term bonds: Used to cover multiple transactions for a specified period of time.

4. How do you handle discrepancies between the shipper’s invoice and the customs entry?

• Contact the shipper to verify the information.
• If the discrepancy cannot be resolved, file a protest with Customs.

5. What are the consequences of making a false statement on a customs entry?

• Forfeiture of the goods.
• Civil penalties.
• Criminal prosecution.

6. What are the benefits of using a Customs House Broker?

• Expertise in customs regulations.
• Avoid costly mistakes.
• Save time and resources.

7. How do you calculate the value of goods for customs purposes?

• Transaction value: The price actually paid or payable for the goods.
• Deductive value: The price of identical or similar goods sold in the United States.
• Computed value: The sum of the cost of production and a reasonable profit.

8. What are the different types of customs entry procedures?

• Formal entry: Used for high-value or dutiable goods.
• Informal entry: Used for low-value or non-dutiable goods.
• Immediate delivery: Used for goods that are needed urgently.

9. How do you determine the country of origin of goods?

• The country where the goods were wholly obtained.
• The country where the goods were substantially transformed.

10. What are the prohibited and restricted items that cannot be imported or exported?

• Counterfeit goods.
• Dangerous goods.
• Perishable goods.
• Live animals.

Customs House Brokers are responsible for ensuring that goods are imported and exported in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, by performing various key functions such as:

1. Classifying Goods

Customs House Brokers are responsible for classifying goods under the Harmonized System (HS) code, which is an internationally recognized system for classifying goods. This is important for determining the correct duty and tax rates that apply to the goods.

• Ensuring that the goods are properly described in the import or export documentation.
• Researching and analyzing the relevant laws and regulations to determine the correct classification.

2. Determining Duty and Taxes

Customs House Brokers are responsible for calculating the correct duty and tax rates that apply to the goods. This involves considering the value of the goods, the country of origin, and any applicable trade agreements.

• Preparing and submitting the necessary import or export documentation to the customs authorities.
• Paying the required duties and taxes on behalf of their clients.

3. Liaising with Customs Authorities

Customs House Brokers must liaise with customs authorities to ensure that goods are cleared through customs in a timely and efficient manner. This involves providing the customs authorities with the necessary documentation and answering any questions they may have.

• Responding to any queries or requests from the customs authorities.
• Attending meetings with customs officials to discuss issues related to the importation or exportation of goods.

4. Maintaining Records

Customs House Brokers are required to maintain accurate records of all their transactions. This includes records of the goods that they have imported or exported, the duties and taxes that have been paid, and the correspondence that they have had with the customs authorities.

• Keeping up-to-date on changes in customs laws and regulations.
• Providing training to clients on how to comply with customs regulations.

To ace an interview for a Customs House Broker position, it is important to prepare thoroughly and to be able to demonstrate your knowledge of customs laws and regulations. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your interview:

1. Research the Company

Before your interview, take some time to research the company that you are applying to. This will help you to understand the company’s business model, its target market, and its competitive landscape. This will also show the interviewer that you are interested in the company and that you have taken the time to learn more about it.

• Visit the company’s website.
• Read the company’s annual report.
• Search for news articles and press releases about the company.

2. Prepare for Behavioral Questions

In addition to questions about your knowledge of customs laws and regulations, you can also expect to be asked behavioral questions during your interview. These questions are designed to assess your soft skills, such as your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Use the STAR method to answer behavioral questions (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Be specific and provide concrete examples to support your answers.
• Practice answering behavioral questions with a friend or family member.

3. Be Professional

First impressions matter, so it is important to be professional throughout the interview process. This means dressing appropriately, arriving on time, and being polite and respectful to everyone you meet.

• Dress in business attire.
• Arrive on time for your interview.
• Be polite and respectful to everyone you meet, including the receptionist, the interviewer, and other employees.

4. Ask Questions

At the end of the interview, be sure to ask the interviewer any questions that you have about the position or the company. This shows that you are interested in the job and that you are taking the interview seriously.

• Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer.
• Ask questions about the company, the position, and the interviewer’s experience.
• Be specific and avoid asking general questions.