19 CFR Part 165 · 5 questions
19 CFR 165.24 — Interim measures.
Past customs broker license exam questions whose answer rests on 19 CFR 165.24. Drawn from 4 released sittings, April 2022 through October 2023. Every question below is a real released question with the answer CBP credited, the authority it rests on, and an explanation of why that answer is right.
Reading the section itself is one tap away inside the simulator, next to the question, which is how the exam works: open book, against a clock.
April 2022, Q51. CBP has reasonable suspicion that the importer entered covered merchandise, merchandise that is subject to an AD/CVD order, into the customs territory of the U.S. through evasion. The following are measures CBP can take EXCEPT:
- ASuspend the liquidation of each unliquidated entry of such covered merchandise that entered on or after the date of the initiation of the investigation under 19 CFR 165.15
- BIssue notification of this decision to the parties to the investigation within 10 business days and provide parties related to the investigation with a public version of the administrative record
- CExtend the period for liquidating each unliquidated entry of such covered merchandise that entered before the date of the initiation of the investigation under 19 CFR 165.15
- DRequire a single transaction bond or additional security or the posting of a cash deposit with respect to such covered merchandise pursuant to section 623 of the Tariff Act of 1930
- EInitiate or continue any appropriate measures separate from this proceeding for entries that are liquidated
Show the answer and explanation
The correct answer is B because 19 CFR 165.24(c) specifies that CBP must issue notice of the decision within five business days after taking interim measures, not 10 business days, and the public version of the administrative record is provided within 10 business days of the notice of initiation, not the decision. Options A, C, and D are explicitly authorized by 19 CFR 165.24(b)(1)(i), (ii), and (iii), respectively. Option E is permitted under 19 CFR 165.24(b)(2). The timing discrepancy in B disqualifies it as a valid measure under the cited authority.
April 2026, Q7. No later than _____ calendar days after initiating an investigation under 19 CFR 165.15, CBP will take interim measures if there is _____ that the importer entered covered merchandise into the customs territory of the United States through evasion.
- A15; substantial evidence
- B15; reasonable suspicion
- C90; substantial evidence
- D90; reasonable suspicion
Show the answer and explanation
The correct answer is D because 19 CFR 165.24(a) explicitly states that CBP must take interim measures no later than 90 calendar days after initiating an investigation if there is "reasonable suspicion" of evasion. The 90-day timeframe and "reasonable suspicion" standard are directly mandated by this section. Options A and B are incorrect because they reference 15 days, which is not mentioned in the cited authority. Option C is incorrect because "substantial evidence" is not the standard required by 19 CFR 165.24(a); the text specifies "reasonable suspicion" instead.
April 2026, Q66. As part of an investigation, CBP has decided that there is reasonable suspicion that an importer entered covered merchandise into the U.S. through evasion of anti-dumping duties under the Enforce and Protect Act of 2015 (EAPA). The entries are unliquidated. What interim measure must CBP take with respect to the entries?
- ASchedule oral discussions to occur with the importer within 200 calendar days to continue the investigation.
- BProvide a public version of the administrative record of this investigation online within 15 business days after notifying the U.S. Department of Commerce.
- CExtend the period for liquidating each unliquidated entry of such covered merchandise that entered after the date the investigation was initiated.
- DSuspend the liquidation of each unliquidated entry of such covered merchandise that entered on or after the date of the initiation of the investigation under 19 CFR 165.15.
Show the answer and explanation
The correct answer is D because 19 CFR 165.24(b)(1)(i) explicitly requires CBP to suspend liquidation of unliquidated entries that entered on or after the investigation’s initiation date when reasonable suspicion of anti-dumping duty evasion exists. This directly aligns with the scenario described in the question. Option C is incorrect because it refers to extending the liquidation period for entries before the investigation began, which is addressed in 19 CFR 165.24(b)(1)(ii) but not relevant here. Option B is unrelated to the interim measure itself and instead pertains to notice requirements under 19 CFR 165.24(c). Option A is not mentioned in the cited authority and lacks textual support.
May 2024, Q68. CBP initiates an investigation of a claim that an importer of merchandise within the scope of antidumping or countervailing duty (AD/CVD) orders is evading those orders. Through its investigation, CBP decides there is reasonable suspicion that the importer has entered covered merchandise into the customs territory of the U.S. through evasion. Which of the following actions would CBP NOT take after deciding there is reasonable suspicion of evasion?
- ANotify the Department of Commerce of its decision that there is reasonable suspicion and ask the Department of Commerce to identify the applicable AD/CVD assessment rates for the covered merchandise.
- BSuspend the liquidation of each unliquidated entry of the covered merchandise that entered on or after the date the investigation was initiated.
- CExtend the period of liquidation for each unliquidated entry of covered merchandise that entered before the date the investigation was initiated.
- DNotify parties to the investigation of its decision that there is reasonable suspicion within five business days of taking any interim measures and provide parties to the investigation with a public version of the administrative record as of that date.
Show the answer and explanation
The correct answer is A because 19 CFR 165.24(b)(1) specifies that CBP’s measures include suspending liquidation of unliquidated entries, extending the liquidation period for prior entries, and taking additional revenue-protecting actions, but it does not mention notifying the Department of Commerce to identify AD/CVD rates. The other options are explicitly outlined in the regulation: B and C are directly stated in 165.24(b)(1)(i) and (ii), and D is covered in 165.24(c). Option A is not a required action under the cited authority.
October 2023, Q24. Choose the ONE answer that correctly fills in the blank. Unless CBP uses its discretionary authority to investigate other entries, entries that may be the subject of an allegation or request for investigation under Enforce and Protect Act of 2015 (EAPA) are those entries made within _________ before the receipt of an allegation or request for investigation.
- ANinety (90) days
- BSix (6) months
- COne (1) year
- DFive (5) years
Show the answer and explanation
The correct answer is C) One (1) year because the Enforce and Protect Act of 2015 (EAPA) permits CBP to investigate entries made within one year prior to the receipt of an allegation or request for investigation, as this timeframe is explicitly outlined in the regulatory framework governing such investigations. The tempting options, such as 90 days (A) or six months (B), refer to procedural deadlines for interim measures under 19 CFR 165.24(a), which pertain to actions taken after an investigation is initiated, not the scope of entries eligible for investigation. Five years (D) is not mentioned in the cited authority and exceeds the statutory period established by the EAPA.
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Start practising freeOther sections of Part 165 the exam tests
- 19 CFR 165.1 (6 questions)