October 2020 (AM) Customs Broker Exam
The October 2020 (AM) customs broker license exam (CBLE) was an open-book sitting of 80 multiple-choice questions in 4.5 hours, with 60 correct needed to pass. 56 questions from this sitting are in the simulator, each with the official citation from CBP's answer key and a plain-English explanation.
What this sitting was like
October 2020 was given in two sessions with separate question sets; this page covers the morning session. The PM session has its own page. It was also the only exam that cycle: the April 2020 sitting did not happen.
Citations on this sitting clustered in 19 CFR Part 111, Part 24 and Part 133, per CBP's own answer key.
Five questions from this exam
Q16. Which of the following is NOT an exception to the requirement that estimated duties shall either be deposited with CBP at the time of the filing of the entry documentation or the entry summary documentation when it serves as both the entry and entry summary (or be transmitted to Customs according to the statement processing method found in the applicable Customs regulations)?
- AMerchandise entered for warehouse
- BInformal mail entry
- CTemporary importation of goods under bond
- DAppraisement entry
- EEntry for consumption
Show the answer and explanation
The correct answer is E) Entry for consumption because the exceptions listed in 19 CFR 141.101(a)-(e) do not include entry for consumption. The regulation explicitly states that exceptions apply to merchandise entered for warehouse (a), warehouse entry (b), informal mail entry (c), appraisement entries (d), and entry for transportation or under bond (e). Entry for consumption is not among these exceptions, meaning estimated duties must be deposited as required. The tempting options (A, B, C, D) are all explicitly listed as exceptions in the cited text, whereas E is not.
Q21. When may a power of attorney be revoked?
- APrior to being submitted to CBP
- BWithin 30 days from execution
- CUpon written approval by the Port Director
- DAt any time by written notice given to and received by CBP
- EIt may not be revoked
Show the answer and explanation
The correct answer is D because 19 CFR 141.35 explicitly states that a power of attorney may be revoked "at any time by written notice given to and received by CBP," without time limits or additional approvals. Option A is incorrect because the regulation does not restrict revocation to before submission; revocation is allowed even after submission. Option B is unsupported as the 30-day period is not mentioned in the cited text. Option C is incorrect because the regulation does not require Port Director approval for revocation. Option E is directly contradicted by the regulation, which permits revocation at any time.
Q77. The U.S. importer entered into an agreement with an unrelated exporter/producer for the purchase of 1,000 units of branded merchandise. The purchase contract contained the following terms: the price for the 1,000 units of merchandise is $100,000, the merchandise may be resold only in California, and the importer must spend $10,000 of his own funds to promote the sale of the merchandise. No selling commission, assist, royalty, or license fee is involved. Is transaction value the proper method of appraisement and, if so, what is the transaction value?
- ANo, transaction value is inapplicable because there is a restriction on the disposition or use of the merchandise (i.e., the merchandise may be resold only in California)
- BYes, $110,000
- CYes, but it is impossible to calculate the transaction value based on the information provided
- DYes, $100,000
- ENo, transaction value is inapplicable because the merchandise is branded
Show the answer and explanation
The correct answer is D because transaction value is determined by the price actually paid or payable, which is 100,000, as stated in 19 CFR 152.103(a)(1). Restrictions on resale (e.g., limited to California) and the importer’s promotional obligation do not affect the transaction value under the regulation, which explicitly excludes such factors from altering the price. Option A is incorrect because resale restrictions do not invalidate transaction value under 19 CFR 152.103. Option B incorrectly adds the 10,000 promotion cost, which is not part of the price paid to the seller. Option C is wrong because the necessary information (the 100,000 price) is provided. Option E is incorrect because branding does not impact the applicability of transaction value.
Q34. Which of the following is NOT considered a guideline for CBP in determining the sufficient amount of bond?
- AThe prior record of the principal in timely payment of duties, taxes, and charges
- BThe value and nature of the merchandise involved
- CThe degree and type of supervision CBP will exercise over the transaction
- DThe number of years the principal has been doing business with CBP
- EThe prior record of the principal in honoring bond commitments such as liquidated damages
Show the answer and explanation
The correct answer is D because 19 CFR 113.13(b) explicitly lists factors CBP considers for bond sufficiency, including prior payment records (A), merchandise value (B), supervision type (C), and compliance with bond commitments (E), but does not mention the duration of the principal’s business relationship with CBP. The other options are directly referenced in the cited regulation, while D is absent and thus not a valid guideline.
Q53. What is the CLASSIFICATION of recreational, land-based trampolines that are designed for domestic backyard use? They are oval shaped, 16’ x 14’ in size, and made with ultraviolet-resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials. They have 96 thick gauge, rust-resistant springs to provide bounce and, to increase safety for users, include a woven mesh netting enclosure. They feature a heavy-gauge, reinforced galvanized steel frame, a patented “Stay-Put” enclosure (to eliminate gaps between the jumping mat and the enclosure net), and welded T-sockets to eliminate frame twisting. They also include a, “Triple Toss Game” with six (6) sand bags for jumpers to throw at a target. The trampolines are not recommended for use by children under six (6) years of age. The User’s Manual that is included advises jumpers to learn eight (8) fundamental bounces and body positions thoroughly (illustrations included) before trying more advanced skills and to contact a certified trampoline instructor for information about skills training.
- A9503.00.0013
- B9503.00.0090
- C9506.91.0030
- D9506.99.6040
- E9506.99.6080
Show the answer and explanation
The correct answer is C) 9506.91.0030 because the trampoline is classified under "articles and equipment for general physical exercise" (HTSUS 9506.91.0030), which aligns with its primary function as a recreational, land-based exercise device. Options A and B (9503.00.00) pertain to toys and children’s products, which do not apply here, as the trampoline is not a toy but a physical exercise apparatus. Options D and E (9506.99.60) classify parts and accessories, such as nets, but the trampoline itself is the main article, not a component. The HTSUS explicitly groups such equipment under 9506.91.0030, not under toy or accessory categories.
That is 5 of 56. Sit the full October 2020 AM session →
Answers and citations are from CBP's published answer key. CBP does not modify answer keys after appeal decisions, so where an appeal later overturned an answer, the key still shows the original.
What this exam was written against
The reference editions in force for this sitting. Editions matter: a question written against an older HTSUS or CFR can test a rule that has since changed.
- Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (2019 Basic Edition, No Supplements)
- Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations (2019 Revised as of April 1, 2019, Parts 1 to END)
- Instructions for Preparation of CBP Form 7501 (December 2019)
- Right to Make Entry Directive 3530-002A
- Business Rules and Process Document (Trade External 9.75, Section 1 – 12)
Sit this exam
56 questions from this sitting are in the simulator, in their original exam order, on a 3 hour 9 minute clock. Same order the candidates saw them in, same pace.
24 questions are left out: 3 depended on exhibits CBP never published or were credited to every candidate, and 21 tested law that has since changed. The directions screen notes this before you start, so nothing is a surprise mid exam.
Sit the October 2020 AM session
← October 2019 · All past exams, 2018 to 2026 · October 2020 (PM) →
CBP's official answer keys for recent exams are on CBP's past-exams page (the five most recent sittings only). Last verified against cbp.gov: August 2, 2026.