custom clearing agent registration IN INDIA

To register as a custom clearing agent (now called a Customs Broker) in India, you must qualify for and pass the Customs Broker Licensing Regulations (CBLR) examination conducted by the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN). The license is required for any person or entity that transacts business on behalf of importers and exporters. Step 1: Meet the eligibility criteria Before applying for the exam, you must fulfill the conditions set out by the CBLR, 2018. Citizenship: Be a citizen of India. Education: Hold a graduate degree from a recognized university. A master's degree or equivalent in a related professional field like Accounting, Finance, Management, Law (LLM), Chartered Accountancy (CA), or Company Secretary (CS) is also required, or a minimum of two years of experience as a "G-Card holder". Experience (alternative): Be a retired Group 'A' officer from the Indian Customs and GST with at least five years of experience in that service. Financial viability: Possess financial solvency, evidenced by a certificate from a Scheduled Bank for assets worth not less than ₹5 lakh. Good standing: You must not have been declared insolvent, convicted of a criminal offense, or penalized under certain financial acts. Identification: Hold a valid Aadhaar and PAN card Step 2: Apply for the CBLR examination The application process for the written examination typically follows this timeline: Application invitation: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) usually invites applications in August/September of each year via its official website and national newspapers. Online application: Apply through the Customs Broker License Management System (CBLMS) portal (cblms.gov.in) when the application window is open. Application fee: Pay the required fee of ₹500. Step 3: Pass the two-part examination The selection process consists of a written exam followed by an oral exam. Written examination Format: The exam is a computer-based test with multiple-choice questions. Content: The syllabus covers topics such as the preparation of customs documents, tariff classification, duty valuation, export promotion schemes, penalties, and online filing procedures. Qualifying marks: A candidate must score at least 60% to pass the written exam. Attempts: You are allowed a maximum of six attempts to clear both the written and oral exams. Oral examination Qualification: Only candidates who pass the written exam will be called for the oral examination. Qualifying marks: The pass percentage for the oral exam is also 60%. Step 4: Obtain the license and start your business Once you have cleared both examinations, you can proceed with the final registration steps. License fee: Pay a license fee of ₹5,000 within two months of the oral exam result. Bond and security: Enter into a bond and furnish security in the form of a bank Bond and security: Enter into a bond and furnish security in the form of a bank guarantee or other securities of ₹5 lakh. License validity: The Customs Broker license is valid for ten years and can be renewed. Pan-India operations: The license allows you to operate across all customs stations in India, subject to an intimation to the concerned Commissioner of Customs.