Test practice by taking old Customs Broker License Exams is a very effective way to prepare for the actual exam. However, you should bear in mind that the reference material used for answering the questions was different in each year. Some of the answers may appear incorrect when you refer current reference material, but the answers could be different if you referred the relevant old reference material. This is because both the HTSUS and 19 CFR regulations are amended often. An older version maybe different from this year’s version of the reference material.

As an example, please see Question 57 of the April 1999 Customs Broker License Exam.

Question 57. Peter Transport, Inc., a bonded cartman, is being audited by U.S. Customs for irregular deliveries incurred during Fiscal Year 97 and 98. During the process the auditors find out that Peter Transport has insufficient bond coverage. U.S. Customs sends written notice of the deficiency to the cartmen and requests additional bond coverage. How many days does Peter Transport, Inc. have to remedy the deficiency?

A) 15 days from the date of notification
B) 30 days from the date of notification
C) 60 days from the date of notification
D) 15 days from the date of bond termination
E) 30 days from the date of bond termination

Official answer: B 30 days from the date of notification; See 19 CFR §113.13

However, if you refer the current version of the regulations, it specifies 15 days which would be answer choice A.

§ 113.13(c) Periodic review of bond sufficiency. CBP will periodically review each bond on file to determine whether the bond is adequate to protect the revenue and ensure compliance with applicable law and regulations. If CBP determines that a bond is inadequate, the principal and surety will be promptly notified in writing. The principal will have 15 days from the date of notification to remedy the deficiency.

This discrepancy is because § 113.13 was amended and the old version of this rule used to specify 30 days. This question was probably set when the rule in force specified 30 days.

Please keep this important fact in mind as you practice taking old exams and do not let answers that appear incorrect today confuse you. Those answers were probably correct if you referred the old reference material for that year.