15: Customs Broker

Type 15 California Liquor License | Customs Broker License

This type of licensee will generally be located near the dock area in seaports or at international airports. The Customs Broker is also frequently located in port cities in building where many foreign consulates or commercial attaches have their offices.

Special Note: This Department has taken the position that where a customs broker makes either entry or withdrawal in his own name, is identified as the responsible person and has a possessory right, the possibility of unlawful diversion into the internal commerce of the State exists. Under these circumstances, we believe he/she should be subject to State control and, therefore, licensed. On the other hand, if the customs broker is solely engaged as an agent for licensed importers and if all entries and/or withdrawal documents disclose the licensed importer as the principal, he/she need not be licensed by this Department. However, we strongly suggest that such persons apply for and hold Type 15 licenses to permit the flexibility needed to handle unforeseen special circumstances requiring licensure.

“Customs broker” means every person who is authorized to act as agent or broker for a person licensed as an importer of for a person whose place of business is without the State, in regard to the importing of alcoholic beverages into the State in United States Internal Revenue bond or in United States Customs bond. (Section 23019). The principal function of a customs broker is handling the paperwork and paying the duty on behalf of his principals on imported merchandise.

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