The Broker-Known Importer Program

The Broker-Known Importer Program (BKIP) is an initiative led by the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA), and is supported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  Through BKIP, licensed customs brokers would alert CBP that the importer on an entry is known to the customs broker and that the customs broker has advised the importer of their compliance responsibilities pertaining to customs regulations.  BKIP is a voluntary program that would create a framework whereby customs brokers could discuss with their importer clients in greater depth the importer's trade activities in the context of import regulations.  These conversations may increase the importer's compliance understanding and enhance the communication between broker and client.  BKIP offers an additional avenue for CBP to collaborate with the trade to enhance the sharing of trade intelligence.

With the BKIP indicator factoring into CBP's cargo risk segmentation, trade flows may benefit from improved information sharing at the time of arrival.  Automated Commercial Environment functionality for the transmission of the BKIP indicator has been deployed, allowing licensed customs brokers the ability to transmit a Known Importer indicator when filing an entry on behalf of a Known Importer client.

The NCBFAA has developed an implementation plan and interview guide that the customs broker can use to identify eligible clients for participation in BKIP.  The interview guide, for example, may enable the customs broker to verify the importer's identity and confirm the importer's understanding of its compliance obligations in areas such as entry declarations, ADD/CVD, IPR, valuation, and preference programs.  The interview guide also addresses documentation and information requirements for customs clearance, record keeping, and drawback.  For greater information on the implementation plan and interview guide, please visit the NCBFAA website.

Questions regarding the implementation of BKIP may be directed to the NCBFAA at BKIP@NCBFAA.org or to CBP at commercialanalysis@cbp.dhs.gov.