Responsible Supervision and Control is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection compliance requirement for licensed customs brokers. It means a broker must actively oversee customs business, employees, records, filings, communications, and client instructions to ensure entries and related transactions are handled correctly. CBP expects licensed brokers to maintain procedures, training, review systems, and accountability so customs declarations, classifications, valuations, and duty payments are managed with proper care and regulatory compliance.
Responsible supervision and control is the legal standard requiring a licensed customs broker to personally oversee all customs business conducted under their broker license. A broker cannot simply delegate customs filings to unlicensed employees or third parties without appropriate oversight.
- Required by 19 CFR Part 111 governing customs broker conduct
- Brokers must supervise all employees who transact customs business
- Failure to exercise responsible supervision can result in broker license suspension or revocation
- CBP periodically audits brokers for compliance with supervision requirements
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Customs Broker, Customs Business, Customs Entry, and CBP.
