Examination to determine competence and fitness

(1) Subject to regulation 15, the Board may, by written or oral examinations or, through any other means as it determines necessary, examine and satisfy itself as to the competence and fitness of an applicant for a customs broker’s licence. (2) The Board shall– (a) at least once in each year, on a date during the month of October, hold examinations to determine the competence and fitness of an applicant in respect of the applicable customs practice and procedures and other related subjects; 10 (b) not later than 1st day of July of each year, post a notice at the Customs House, on the website of the Customs and Excise Department, and the website of the Customs Brokers and Customs Clerks Association of Belize, Informing of the registration period for the examinations; and (c) at least one month before the date of the examinations, post a notice at the Customs House, on the website of the Customs and Excise Department, and the website of the Association of Belize, informing of the date, time and place of the examinations. (3) Notwithstanding subregulation (2), the Board shall, by electronic means or otherwise, notify every individual who registers for the examinations, of the date, time and place of the (4) Upon the registration for the examination for competence and fitness, an applicant shall pay a non-refundable registration fee of $50. (5) In determining competence and fitness, the Board shall have regard to the following criteria– (a) the maintenance of high standards of efficiency and integrity in the conduct of (b) the applicant demonstrates an understanding of the procedures in relation to importation and exportation of goods, the rules of classification, valuation, rates of duty and taxes and fees for imported merchandise, preferential treatment, community origin and exemptions; (c) the applicant demonstrates an understanding of and accurately applies national regional and international standards for customs and internationals trade; (d) the applicant ensures that lawful revenues due on the legal importation or exportation of goods or articles are properly declared; (e) the applicant engages in periodic training so as to ensure that he is up to date with national and international standards; (f) any evidence that the applicant prods or coaches a client into committing illegal acts by evading or minimizing the payment of duties and taxes or other cost cutting acts tending to defraud the government; or (g) the applicant exercises due diligence over declarations and other documents and cargo entrusted to him for clearance from the customs custody until the delivery to the final destination. (6) The Board may conduct investigation as the Board considers necessary for the purpose of making a determination of whether to approve or refuse an application made under (7) Where the Board approves an application, the Board shall issue the licence to the applicant within two months of approval. 12 (8) Where the Board refuses an application, the Board shall notify the applicant in writing, within 30 working days of the refusal, giving reasons for its decision.