CSMS 55855735·Operational·April 11, 2023·View on csms.cbp.gov ↗

UPDATE: Customs Broker License Exam

Plain-English explanation

CSMS 55855735 is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cargo Systems Messaging Service bulletin (operational), published on April 11, 2023. It carries the official CBP guidance brokers and importers must follow for the topic — "UPDATE: Customs Broker License Exam". CSMS messages are the operational layer between Commerce determinations and at-the-border collections: when Commerce publishes a new rate, scope ruling, or instruction, CBP turns it into a CSMS that ACE/ACS systems and brokers act on.

Message body

Full text as published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection

CSMS # 55855735 - UPDATE: Customs Broker License Exam - April 2023 Reference Material Information U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent this bulletin at 04/11/2023 12:34 PM EDT Cargo Systems Messaging Service CSMS # 55855735 - UPDATE: Customs Broker License Exam - April 2023 Reference Material Information This message is an update of CSMS 55845271, dated April 10, 2023, and clarifies that Customs Broker License Exam (CBLE) registrants should refer to the CBLE webpage listed below for exam reference materials. In order that examinees are best equipped for the April 26, 2023 CBLE, U.S. Customs and Border Protection HIGHLY RECOMMENDS that examinees bring paper reference materials to their exam session. The CBLE reference materials are available under the Reference Materials tab on the CBLE webpage at Customs Broker License Exam (CBLE) | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov). CBP encourages exam candidates to review all information on the CBLE posted at the CBP.gov link above, including the following: Although examinees may use any written reference material, the use of any electronic device during the exam (e.g., laptop, iPad / Nook / Kindle, smart phone, personal digital assistant, smartwatch, digital timers, etc.) is strictly prohibited . Examinees are allowed to bring one rolling crate OR one suitcase into the exam room not to exceed 16"H X 18.5"W X 15"D.  All other storage containers will remain outside of the exam room. Examinees may bring a shelf/rack into the exam room to hold the approved testing resources. The shelf/rack, in its expanded form, cannot exceed the width and depth of the crate (18.5” W x 15”D), to prevent racks from extending past individual testing space. The height of the shelf/rack is not limited, as it is merely elevating materials closer to eye-level. Proctors will not be verifying individual pieces of paper during the check-in or examination process. As long as none of the reference materials or documents brought into the exam are electronic, they will be acceptable for use during the exam. Given that electronic items are not permitted, as described above, electronic timers are also not permitted. Small, plastic sand timers are permitted to be used during the test. Please keep in mind also that there will be a timer as part of the exam software for your use during the exam. Remote examinees are not required to follow the crate sizing guidelines, however they MUST distribute their materials in a way that ensures they do not exit the view of the camera while searching through reference materials. No exceptions will be made. For questions on the CBLE, contact the headquarters Broker Management Branch at brokermanagement@cbp.dhs.gov . Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page . You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com . This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Customs and Border Protection . Privacy Policy | GovDelivery is providing this information on behalf of U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and may not use the information for any other purposes. Powered by Privacy Policy | Cookie Statement | Help

Frequently asked questions

What is CSMS 55855735?

CSMS 55855735 is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cargo Systems Messaging Service bulletin titled "UPDATE: Customs Broker License Exam". CSMS bulletins are the operational instructions CBP issues to brokers, importers, and ACE filers covering rate changes, system updates, scope guidance, and other day-to-day customs-operations changes.

When was CSMS 55855735 published?

CBP published CSMS 55855735 on April 11, 2023. The bulletin's instructions are typically operative as of the publication date unless the body specifies a different effective date.

Is the CBP CSMS the legally binding instruction?

Yes — for at-the-border filing and entry collection. CSMS messages translate Commerce's Federal Register determinations into operational CBP instructions that ACE/ACS systems and brokers execute. The Federal Register notice is the underlying legal authority; the CSMS is the operational implementation. Both should be read together when reconciling a rate or scope change.

Learn more

Tandom guides relevant to CBP CSMS messages

Subscribe to and triage CBP CSMS messages

How to subscribe to CBP Cargo Systems Messaging Service and triage the messages that change broker filing behavior, without losing the ones that matter.

Open resource

Real-time alerts when a CSMS message changes a duty rate

Set up alerts when a CBP CSMS message changes a duty rate on an HTS code you depend on. Built for brokers, forwarders, and importer compliance teams.