Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB)

The CSCB works to bring issues of importance to customs brokers and their clients to the attention of appropriate government departments and agencies, including the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Foreign Affairs Canada, International Trade Canada, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Summary

The CSCB specializes in the timely provision of technical and operational information customs brokers require.  Information is e-mailed to nearly 1,700 member contacts throughout the business day. CSCB also has an on-line searchable database that provides a valuable research tool for customs-related events and news, as well as international trade, general management and public affairs information.

The CSCB offers several courses to both CSCB members and non-members. In order to be able to reach students in all geographical areas, all courses are provided by correspondence.

Following is information on each of our courses.

CSCB Introduction to Customs Course

The CSCB Introductory Course, offered in both English and French, is recommended for someone who is just starting a career in the import-export field, or for someone who requires basic information on importing and exporting. The course explains the roles of the players, namely the importer, exporter, CBSA, and the customs broker, and how other government departments affect the importing and exporting of goods.

Students work at their own pace and a six-month time frame is suggested to complete the course. When the student indicates that they have completed the course, the final examination is forwarded to an individual who has volunteered to supervise the examination. A certificate is awarded to those who successfully complete the final examination.

Students may enroll at any time in this program, and CSCB corporate members may enroll their employees and clients at a reduced fee.

CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) Course

The CSCB CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) course is a 12-month distance-learning course, available in hard copy or on CD. The CCS qualification is the standard in the customs marketplace -- recognized, and demanded, by those who use brokerage services throughout the country. Offered in both English and French, this distance education course is paper based with an on-line component and designed for the adult learner who is interested in pursuing a career where customs knowledge is essential and where the designation has both personal and professional value and recognition.

In addition to a detailed review of the four basic steps involved in the Canadian Customs transaction (Reporting of Goods, Release of Goods, Accounting for Goods and Payment of Duties and Taxes), students are taught the following:

The Principal Acts involved in the Importation and Exportation of Goods
Customs Brokers Licensing Requirements and Agency Agreements
The Canadian Customs Tariff Classification System
Tariff Treatments and Trade Agreements
Valuation
Application of Federal Taxes
AMPS and CSA
Marking of Imported Goods
Refunds, Drawbacks, Self-corrections
Export and Import Permits
Export Documentation
U.S. Customs Procedures
The Special Import Measures Act

To take the final examination, students must attain an average grade of 65 per cent on four assignments. These assignments are available on-line, with an auto-mark function, and both students and the CSCB will be advised of the student's grade. A timetable is provided with the course material so that students are aware of the date on which they must submit each assignment. The passing grade on the final examination is also 65 per cent. Successful completion of the program will allow the individual to use the designation CCS (Certified Customs Specialist).

The CCS program runs from October of each year until September of the following year.

On-Line Professional Development Modules

We offer four on-line modules on single subjects of interest:

Canadian Harmonized System of Tariff Classification
Understanding NAFTA
Valuation
Refunds

Additional modules are under development.

Once enrolled, students will receive a password and identification from the CSCB. This will allow you to access the course from the CSCB website. Interactive quizzes are included in the courses. Enrolment is on a continuous intake basis and access to course material is provided for a maximum of 90 days, during which time the course and final examination must be completed.

Students will have access to a message board where they can ask questions, make comments and suggestions, and answer questions posted by other students. At this time, the on-line professional development modules are available in English only.

The CCS Designation

Once an individual has successfully completed the CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) Course and achieved the CCS designation, they will receive the following benefits:

Once an individual has successfully completed the CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) Course and achieved the CCS designation, they will receive the following benefits:

Daily Updates via e-mail - CCS designates will receive updates via e-mail on a daily basis from the CSCB national office. The topics covered are of a technical/ operational and educational nature featuring the information that you need to guarantee the quality of service that will be expected from those with the CCS designation
A card and lapel pin recognizing your designation
Use of the designation of CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) next to your name; and
Preferential registration fees for CSCB events and seminars.

The designation is renewable annually, and CCS designates must undertake professional development activities on an annual basis. A points system is the basis for the ongoing program.

Becoming a Customs Broker

In order to become a customs broker in Canada, an individual, corporation, or partnership must complete an application form L53.  Before doing so, one of the directors, or one of the partners must have passed the Customs Brokers Professional Examination. Canada Border Services Agency also asks that other criteria, such as citizenship and proof of financial stability, be met.

There are no prerequisites to writing the Customs Brokers Professional Examination. As well, there is no associated time limit that an individual must work for a customs broker or in a related field before writing this examination.

Interested individuals register to write this examination directly with Canada Border Services Agency through their local customs office. Application is made on form L55, and the completed application and payment must be received at the local customs office at least 30 days prior to the examination date. Applications are then forwarded to Canada Border Services Agency in Ottawa who will contact each individual by mail with the time and place of the examination.

Applicants for the Professional Examination are tested on their knowledge of the policies and procedures relating to the importation and exportation of goods, including:

(a) provisions of the Customs Act, the Customs Tariff, the Excise Act, the Excise Tax Act, and the Special Import Measures Act;
(b) CBSA regulations, policies and procedures relating to the reporting and release of goods and the accounting and payment of duties;

©) legislation administered by the CBSA on behalf of other government departments as it relates to the importation and exportation of goods;

(d) CBSA regulations governing the establishment and operation of customs brokerage offices and their relationship with the CBSA; and

(e) general business accounting practices.
Any specific questions concerning the licensing of Customs Brokers in Canada may also be addressed to: CBSA, Brokers Licensing and Account Security Programs, 191 Laurier Avenue West, 15th floor, Ottawa, ON   K1A 0L8.  (613) 941-4789

Canadian Society of Customs Brokers 320-55 Murray Street Ottawa, ON K1N 5T3
Tel: (613) 562-3543 Fax: (613) 562-3548 Internet: www.cscb.ca  E-mail: cscb@cscb.ca

 

Quebec Contact(s):
See National Contact.

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National Contact(s):
Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB)
320-55 Murray Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1N 5M3
Telephone: 613-562-3543
Fax: 613-562-3548
E-mail: cscb@cscb.ca
Web site: http://www.cscb.ca/