CBP Oct 1 broker CE reminder: 20 hours by Jan 31, TSR opens Dec 14
CBP emailed individually licensed customs brokers on Oct 1, 2026. Confirmed Dec 14 eCBP TSR window, CE earning rules, and why a revoked license stops drawback filings.
On October 1, 2026, CBP emailed individually licensed customs brokers reminding them to finish the 2024–2027 triennial: earn 20 Continuing Education (CE) hours by January 31, 2027, then file the Triennial Status Report (TSR) with the $100 fee through eCBP. Failure under 19 CFR 111.30(d) and 19 CFR 111.102 can revoke the license by operation of law.
Oct 1 reminder: 20 CE hours by Jan 31, 2027. TSR + $100 via eCBP Dec 14, 2026–Feb 28, 2027. Miss either and the individual license is at risk.
Confirmed filing window
Credit earning period: Jan 1, 2025 – Jan 31, 2027
TSR window: Dec 14, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027 · $100 fee via eCBP
Retain CE proof 3 years · audits after March 2027
CBP's TSR/CE page now states the eCBP filing window as December 14, 2026 through February 28, 2027 (NCBFAA has circulated the same Dec 14 open date). That replaces the earlier "mid-December" placeholder. CBP still recommends completing CE and filing the TSR together by January 31, 2027 rather than waiting for the February 28 fee deadline with unfinished credits.
What counts as CE
Only training from a CBP-selected accreditor or the federal government counts. Accredited courses show the CE logo. Keep certificates, course codes, names, dates, educator names, and/or transcripts for at least three years. Do not upload certificates at TSR filing; CBP audits a sample of brokers after the reporting period ends (selection and notice after March 2027 for this cycle).
Individual license holders certify CE, pay the $100 fee, and update contacts. Organization license holders pay the fee and update contacts; CE attestation is the individual-license obligation. Inactive individual holders who voluntarily suspend before the deadline still file a TSR but need not report CE once suspended (Broker Administration Branch: brokermanagement@cbp.dhs.gov).
Why brokers (and drawback filers) should care
A revoked individual license is not a paperwork inconvenience. It stops broker-of-record filings, including drawback claims and ACE privilege work tied to that license. If you still need CE hours, schedule CBP-accredited training now; the earning window closes January 31, 2027. For the full checklist and eCBP click-path, see Broker CE and TSR checklist.
- Oct 1, 2026 CBP email reminder to individually licensed brokers: finish 20 CE hours by Jan 31, 2027 and file the 2027 TSR.
- TSR + $100 fee via eCBP: Dec 14, 2026–Feb 28, 2027 (CBP.gov confirmed; NCBFAA cites the same open date).
- Credit earning period Jan 1, 2025–Jan 31, 2027; only CBP-selected accreditor or federal government training counts; retain proof 3 years.
- Failure under 19 CFR 111.30(d) and 111.102 can revoke the license by operation of law.
- License risk hits drawback and ACE filing capacity for that broker. Prefer CE + TSR complete by Jan 31, 2027.
- Customs Broker Triennial Status Report (TSR) and Continuing Education (CE) Requirements · U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Customs Broker Continuing Education · U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Information for Individually Licensed Customs Brokers about The CE Requirement · U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Customs Broker Fees · U.S. Customs and Border Protection
This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Drawback eligibility depends on your specific facts, and final refunds are determined by CBP at liquidation. Consult a licensed customs broker or attorney for your situation.