Why spend so much time studying HTS?
The universe of goods to which we must assign an HTS code is infinite.
I have been working in the practice of tariff classification for many years. It seems to me that this topic of international trade is the one that requires the greatest technical specialization and knowledge. The other aspects of the international trade process, once learned, are systematized and change infrequently.
In tariff classification, it is clear that if the process to carry it out is systematized, precise classifications are obtained, but the universe of goods to which we must assign an HTS code is infinite. It is also true that certain provisions in the Harmonized System are unclear and many of them are subject to a very high level of interpretation, which also affects our decision to classify goods under one subheading or another.
In May 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in the process that CBP is carrying out to modernize the exam to obtain the customs broker license. The general opinion was that the issue of tariff classification is the most difficult and the reason why many examinees do not pass the exam. Therefore, you should spend more time studying the classification of goods in the HTS.
My intention in doing this course is to help candidates to obtain their license, providing them with the tools that allow them to solve with complete confidence the questions that CBP raises regarding this issue. This allows you to spend more time solving questions related to other topics. The exam is not easy:
Pass Rate Information
The April 23, 2025 CBLE resulted in a 30% pass rate prior to appeal decisions.
The October 23, 2024 CBLE resulted in a 24% pass rate prior to appeal decisions.
The May 1, 2024 CBLE resulted in a 13% pass rate prior to appeal decisions.
The October 25, 2023 CBLE resulted in a 34% pass rate prior to appeal decisions.
I wish you success, and please enjoy the journey to become a U.S. Licensed Customs Broker!
