Tools commonly used in the Customs Brokers industry for day-to-day tasks and operations.

• Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system
• Customs and Border Protection (CBP) forms
• Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) database
• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) software
• Customs brokerage software
• International trade compliance software
• Freight forwarding software
• Transportation management systems (TMS)
• Electronic export information (EEI) filing software
• Compliance manuals and guides

Common products and services typical of NAICS Code 541618-02, illustrating the main business activities and contributions to the market.

• Import/export businesses
• Freight forwarders
• Manufacturers
• Distributors
• Retailers
• Wholesalers
• Customs brokerage firms
• Transportation companies
• Logistics providers
• E-commerce businesses

The specific certifications, permits, licenses, and regulatory compliance requirements within the United States for this industry.

• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS): This certification is offered by the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) and is designed for customs brokers who have a minimum of three years of experience in the industry. The CCS certification covers topics such as customs regulations, tariff classification, valuation, and entry procedures.
• Certified Export Specialist (CES): Also offered by the NCBFAA, the CES certification is designed for customs brokers who specialize in export transactions. The certification covers topics such as export regulations, documentation, and compliance.
• Customs Broker License: A customs broker license is required by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for individuals or companies that conduct customs business on behalf of others. The license requires passing a CBP-administered exam, meeting certain experience requirements, and undergoing a background check.
• Importer Self-Assessment (ISA) Program: The ISA program is a voluntary program offered by the CBP that allows importers to take responsibility for monitoring their own compliance with customs regulations. Participants in the program must meet certain eligibility requirements and undergo a rigorous application process.
• Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT): The C-TPAT program is a voluntary program offered by the CBP that aims to improve supply chain security and reduce the risk of terrorism. Participants in the program must meet certain security requirements and undergo a supply chain security audit.
• International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Certification: This certification is required for customs brokers who handle dangerous goods shipments by air. The certification covers topics such as classification, packaging, marking, labeling, and documentation of dangerous goods shipments.
• International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code Certification: This certification is required for customs brokers who handle dangerous goods shipments by sea. The certification covers topics such as classification, packaging, marking, labeling, and documentation of dangerous goods shipments.
• Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Secure Data Portal Account: The ACE Secure Data Portal is a web-based portal that allows customs brokers to submit electronic entries and receive real-time status updates on their shipments. Customs brokers must have an ACE Secure Data Portal account to conduct business with the CBP electronically.
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Prior Notice: Customs brokers who handle food and drug shipments must comply with FDA regulations, including submitting prior notice of shipments to the FDA. The prior notice must be submitted electronically through the FDA's Prior Notice System Interface (PNSI).
• U.S. Department Of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Permit: Customs brokers who handle shipments of plants, animals, or animal products must comply with USDA regulations, including obtaining an APHIS permit. The permit must be obtained prior to the shipment's arrival in the U.S.
• Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) License: Customs brokers who act as ocean freight forwarders must obtain an OTI license from the FMC. The license requires passing an FMC-administered exam, meeting certain experience requirements, and undergoing a background check.
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Known Shipper Program: The Known Shipper Program is a voluntary program offered by the TSA that allows customs brokers to establish themselves as "known shippers" and bypass certain security screening requirements for air cargo shipments. Participants in the program must meet certain eligibility requirements and undergo a security assessment.
• Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Endorsement: Customs brokers who transport hazardous materials by road must obtain a HAZMAT endorsement on their commercial driver's license. The endorsement requires passing a HAZMAT knowledge test and undergoing a security threat assessment.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) Training: Customs brokers who handle hazardous materials must comply with OSHA's HCS, which requires employers to provide training to employees on the hazards of the materials they handle. The training must cover topics such as labeling, safety data sheets, and hazard communication.
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 Certification: The ISO 9001 certification is a quality management system certification that is recognized worldwide. Customs brokers who obtain this certification demonstrate their commitment to quality and continuous improvement in their operations.
• National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) Uniform Straight Bill Of Lading: The Uniform Straight Bill of Lading is a standardized bill of lading form that is used in the transportation of goods by motor carrier. Customs brokers who handle motor carrier shipments must be familiar with this form and its requirements.
• International Commercial Terms (Incoterms): Incoterms are a set of standardized trade terms that are used in international transactions. Customs brokers who handle international transactions must be familiar with Incoterms and their implications for the parties involved in the transaction.
• Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Operator License: Customs brokers who operate a FTZ must obtain an operator license from the FTZ Board. The license requires meeting certain eligibility requirements and undergoing a background check.
• U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) Training: Customs brokers who handle international transactions must comply with the FTR, which requires filing electronic export information with the U.S. Census Bureau. The FTR training covers topics such as classification, valuation, and documentation of exports.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Broker Management Outreach Program: The Broker Management Outreach Program is a voluntary program offered by the CBP that provides customs brokers with training and information on CBP policies and procedures. Participants in the program must meet certain eligibility requirements and undergo a CBP-administered exam.

A concise historical narrative of NAICS Code 541618-02 covering global milestones and recent developments within the United States.

• Customs brokers have been around for centuries, with the first recorded mention of them dating back to the 13th century in England. These early customs brokers were responsible for facilitating trade between England and other countries by helping merchants navigate the complex customs regulations of the time. In the United States, customs brokers have been around since the late 1800s, with the first customs brokerage firm being established in New York City in 1895. Since then, the industry has grown significantly, with the introduction of new technologies and the increasing globalization of trade. In recent years, the industry has faced challenges such as changing regulations and increased competition, but has continued to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing global marketplace.

The anticipated future trajectory of the NAICS 541618-02 industry in the USA, offering insights into potential trends, innovations, and challenges expected to shape its landscape.

• Growth Prediction: Stable

  According to recent reports, the Customs Brokers industry in the USA is expected to experience steady growth in the coming years. The industry is projected to benefit from the increasing demand for international trade and the need for efficient and cost-effective customs clearance services. Additionally, the industry is expected to benefit from the growing trend towards outsourcing customs brokerage services to third-party providers. However, the industry may face challenges such as increasing competition from new entrants and the potential impact of trade policies and regulations. Overall, the future outlook for the Customs Brokers industry in the USA is positive, with steady growth expected in the coming years.

Recent groundbreaking advancements and milestones in the Customs Brokers industry, reflecting notable innovations that have reshaped its landscape.

• Automated Customs Clearance Systems: Customs brokers are increasingly using automated systems to streamline the customs clearance process, reducing the time and cost involved in the process.
• Integration Of Technology: Customs brokers are integrating technology into their operations, such as using electronic data interchange (EDI) to exchange information with customs authorities and clients.
• Expansion Of Services: Customs brokers are expanding their services beyond traditional customs clearance services, such as offering logistics and supply chain management services.
• Environmental Sustainability: Customs brokers are adopting environmentally sustainable practices, such as reducing paper usage and implementing energy-efficient technologies.
• Collaboration with Other Service Providers: Customs brokers are collaborating with other service providers, such as freight forwarders and transportation companies, to offer integrated services to clients.