CBP Posts List of Approved Trade/Fictitious Names Used by Customs Brokers ( List to Be Updated Periodically )
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted to its Web site a list of approved trade and/or fictitious names (trade names) that are currently being used by licensed Customs brokers, updated as of February 14, 2005.
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CBP has also posted information on filing for approval of and using trade names.
List of Approved Trade Names to Be Updated Periodically
CBP states that as a courtesy to members of the brokerage community, the Office of Field Operations, Broker Management Branch will periodically update this list of currently approved trade names.
(CBP notes that this list may not reflect trade name requests under consideration or requests that were subsequently approved after the last update but have not yet been posted.)
Filing for Approval of a Trade Name
According to 19 CFR 111.30(c), a broker who changes his name, or who proposes to operate under a trade or fictitious name in one or more states within the district in which he has been granted a permit and is authorized by state law to do so, must submit to the Office of Field Operations evidence of his authority to use that name. The name must not be used until the approval of CBP Headquarters has been received.
CBP states that approval for use of a trade name may not be used until the requesting party has received written approval from CBP. Usinga trade name without written approval subjects the broker to possible violations for not demonstrating "responsible supervision and control" over their Customs business.
CBP states that it will not approve a trade name where an individually licensed Customs broker requests a trade name which contains wording such as "Inc.," "Corp.," etc. In addition, CBP will not approve the use of a trade name by one broker when another broker already has approval to use the same or similar name as a corporate or trade name. CBP states that the second approval could lead to confusion as to the true identity of the broker when such similar names are used by more than one broker.
CBP notes that the list of currently approved trade names may be referenced for purposes of filing a trade name request; however, reviewing it does not guarantee use or approval of a trade name.
If Approved, Trade Name & Broker's Own Name Must Appear on CBP Documents
If approval is obtained for the use of a trade name, the broker's name as it appears on their Customs broker license must appear in conjunction with the approved trade name each time a signature is made on a Customs document that is presented to CBP or may be potentially submitted to CBP.
CBP's document reads "failure to use;" BP is checking to see if this is an unintended typo.
CBP contact - Broker Management Branch (202) 344 - 2580
List of currently approved trade names (updated 02/14/05) available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/import/broker_management/approved_trade_names/approved_names.ctt/approved_names.xls
Information ("Instructions") on filing for approval of and using trade names (updated 02/14/05) available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/import/broker_management/approved_trade_names/instruct_tradenames.ctt/instruct_tradenames.doc