Under which circumstance may an individual who qualifies as an importer of record under 19 USC 1484 authorize an unpaid agent to enter merchandise on their behalf?
How to get there
CBP Directive 3530-002A (Right to Make Entry), 5.14.1An individual who qualifies as an importer of record under 19 USC 1484 has the legal authority to appoint an agent to clear merchandise in his name, provided the importer is not a regular importer, the appointment is for a single non-commercial shipment, and the agent is unpaid.
All three conditions have to hold. Only D meets them: a person who is not a regular importer, a non-commercial shipment, and an unpaid agent (authorized in writing, which is good practice for showing the appointment).
Why the other choices are wrong
A) A known importer receiving a bona fide gift under $100: a "known importer" fails the not a regular importer condition. The gift and its value don't help with that.
B) A known importer claiming to be indigent: being unable to pay isn't one of the conditions, and the person is a known (regular) importer.
C) A regular importer appointing a relative for a single article: being a relative doesn't matter, and the importer is regular. Both fail the directive's test.
Tip
Unpaid agent: three conditions. Not a regular importer, single non-commercial shipment, unpaid agent. Anyone who is paid to make entry for others is transacting customs business and needs a broker license.
Source: CBP Directive 3530-002A, Right to Make Entry (June 27, 2001), § 5.14.1 (cbp.gov).
CBP answer key: Answer D · Right to Make Entry Directive (CD 3530-002A)Source: CBP past exams ↗