19 CFR 111.11U.S. CBP / 19 CFR / HTSUScbleVerified 2026-11-12

19 CFR 111.11: Individual and Organization Broker Licenses: Application and Requirements

Authoritative Rule Summary (19 CFR 111.11)

Under 19 CFR 111.11 (U.S. CBP / 19 CFR / HTSUS), individual and Organization Broker Licenses: Application and Requirements establishes the authoritative rules tested on the U.S. Customs Broker (CBLE). This lesson details the application process, eligibility criteria, and specific requirements for obtaining individual and organizational customs broker licenses under 19 CFR Part 111, including background checks and examination prerequisites. VoraPrep verifies, verified against VoraPrep's U.S. Customs Broker (CBLE) blueprint.

Core Statutory Concepts

RequirementDescriptionCitation
CitizenshipMust be a citizen of the United States.19 CFR 111.11(a)(1)
AgeMust be at least 21 years of age.19 CFR 111.11(a)(2)
CharacterMust be of good moral character.19 CFR 111.11(a)(3)
ExaminationMust pass the Customs Broker License Examination.19 CFR 111.11(a)(4)
ApplicationSubmit CBP Form 3124 and required documentation.19 CFR 111.12
Test Yourself on 19 CFR 111.11 in 30 Seconds (No Login)U.S. Customs Broker (CBLE) · medium

Apex Customs Brokers, LLC, a newly formed entity, seeks to obtain a customs broker license. The company's organizational structure includes a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. All four individuals are actively involved in the day-to-day customs business operations. To satisfy the licensing requirements for a corporation, how many of Apex Customs Brokers, LLC's officers or members must hold a valid individual customs broker license?

Worked Practitioner Scenario

Practitioner Application: Individual and Organization Broker Licenses: Application and Requirements

A seasoned freight forwarder, Mr. Chen, decides to apply for an individual customs broker license. He has over 10 years of experience in international logistics but only 2 years of direct customs brokerage operations. He is a naturalized U.S. citizen. Simultaneously, his company, Global Trade Solutions Inc., wants to apply for an organizational license. The company has multiple licensed brokers on staff, but the proposed qualifying officer for the organizational license has a minor misdemeanor conviction from 15 years ago for a non-customs-related offense. Both applications are submitted, but CBP raises concerns. What specific requirements might Mr. Chen and Global Trade Solutions Inc. be failing to meet, and what are the implications for their applications?

  1. Obtaining a customs broker license in the United States is a rigorous process governed primarily by 19 CFR Part 111. This part outlines distinct requirements for individual and organizational licenses, ensuring that all licensed brokers possess the necessary knowledge, experience, and ethical standing to conduct customs business on behalf of others. The application process involves detailed submissions, background checks, and, for individuals, passing a comprehensive examination.
  2. Individual License Requirements (19 CFR 111.11-111.13) An individual seeking a customs broker license must meet specific criteria to ensure competence and integrity. Key requirements include U.S. citizenship, a minimum age, and passing the Customs Broker License Examination. The application involves a thorough background investigation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Organizational License Requirements (19 CFR 111.19) An organization (e.g., corporation, partnership, association) can also obtain a customs broker license. Unlike individuals, organizations do not take the examination directly. Instead, they must designate a qualifying officer who holds a valid individual customs broker license and is an active member of the organization. This officer is responsible for the organization's customs business operations and compliance. The organization must also demonstrate financial responsibility and provide a customs broker bond.
Exam Watchouts & Statutory Boundaries

Common U.S. Customs Broker (CBLE) Distractors on 19 CFR 111.11

  • 1Candidates often confuse the requirements for individual versus organizational licenses, or overlook specific details within each category.
  • 2⚠️ Exam trap: Assuming a U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) meets the citizenship requirement for an individual license. Correction: 19 CFR 111.11(a)(1) explicitly states U.S. citizenship is required, not just residency. This is a common distractor.
  • 3Individual License: Requires U.S. citizenship, age 21+, good moral character, and passing the CBLE (19 CFR 111.11).
  • 4Organizational License: Requires at least one qualifying officer who holds a valid individual customs broker license and is an active member of the organization (19 CFR 111.19(a)).
  • 5Good Moral Character: Applies to both individual applicants and the qualifying officers of organizations. Background checks are critical (19 CFR 111.11(a)(3), 19 CFR 111.19(b)).

Frequently Asked Questions: 19 CFR 111.11

What is the core rule under 19 CFR 111.11 (Individual and Organization Broker Licenses: Application and Requirements)?

Under 19 CFR 111.11 (U.S. CBP / 19 CFR / HTSUS), individual and Organization Broker Licenses: Application and Requirements establishes the authoritative rules tested on the U.S. Customs Broker (CBLE). This lesson details the application process, eligibility criteria, and specific requirements for obtaining individual and organizational customs broker licenses under 19 CFR Part 111, including background checks and examination prerequisites. VoraPrep verifies, verified against VoraPrep's U.S. Customs Broker (CBLE) blueprint.

How is 19 CFR 111.11 tested on the U.S. Customs Broker (CBLE)?

Candidates often confuse the requirements for individual versus organizational licenses, or overlook specific details within each category. ⚠️ Exam trap: Assuming a U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) meets the citizenship requirement for an individual license. Correction: 19 CFR 111.11(a)(1) explicitly states U.S. citizenship is required, not just residency. This is a common distractor.

Where can I practice U.S. Customs Broker (CBLE) questions on Individual and Organization Broker Licenses: Application and Requirements?

Test yourself instantly with the free playable U.S. Customs Broker (CBLE) question on this page, or launch VoraPrep's full U.S. Customs Broker (CBLE) adaptive question bank, interactive lessons, and 1:1 exam simulator at voraprep.com/cble.

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