A duly licensed customs broker plans to switch from keeping paper records of documents created in the course of conducting customs business to keeping digital records electronically. These documents are not required to be maintained as original paper records under laws and regulations administered by other Federal Government agencies. From whom must the broker receive permission to switch the method of storage and within what time frame?
How to get there
19 CFR 163.5(b)(1)Any of the persons listed in § 163.2 may maintain any records, other than records required to be maintained as original records under laws and regulations administered by other Federal government agencies, in an alternative format, provided that the person gives advance written notification of such alternative storage method to the Regulatory Audit, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 2001 Cross Beam Dr., Charlotte, North Carolina … The written notice … must be provided at least 30 calendar days before implementation of the alternative storage method …
The answer is A.
Why the other choices are wrong
B) Executive Director, Office of Trade, within 30 days after: wrong office and wrong timing. Notice must come before implementation.
C) Broker Management Branch, 60 days before: wrong office and wrong period.
D) Executive Director, Trade Regulatory Audit, 15 days after: also after the fact.
Tip
Alternative record storage: Regulatory Audit, Charlotte, 30+ days in advance. The method must allow timely retrieval and prevent alteration (§ 163.5(b)(2)). Strictly it's advance notice, not permission: you proceed unless Charlotte objects in writing.
Source: 19 CFR 163.5 (eCFR).
CBP answer key: Answer A · 19 CFR 163.5(b)Source: CBP past exams ↗