Broker Compliance · CBLE study guide
Powers of attorney
Who signs, forms, duration and revocation of customs POAs.
- 34past questions in CBLE Pass
- ≈2questions on a typical 80-question exam
- 19 CFR 141.31-141.46where the rules live
Common traps
Wrong answers on past exams cluster around a few beliefs. Here is each one, and what the rule actually says.
POA duration: partnership vs. others
“All powers of attorney expire after two years, or the two-year limit applies to corporations.”
The rule: Only a power of attorney issued by a partnership is limited to 2 years from execution. All others may be granted for an unlimited period.
Remember: Partnerships change membership, so their POAs expire in 2 years. Everyone else: unlimited.
19 CFR 141.34
Which CBP form for which power of attorney
“Any CBP form number can carry a POA.”
The rule: CBP Form 5291 may be used for a customs POA (141.32). Corporate surety POAs go on CBP Form 5297 (113.37(g)).
Remember: 5291 = customs POA; 5297 = surety POA.
19 CFR 141.32 · 19 CFR 113.37(g)
POAs from nonresident corporations
“A corporate seal is required, or the extra nonresident rules don't apply.”
The rule: A nonresident principal's POA is accepted only if the agent is a resident authorized to accept service of process (141.36). A nonresident corporation not qualified in the state must attach proof of the signer's authority (141.37). The seal requirement in 113.37(g) applies to corporate surety POAs, not importer POAs.
Remember: Seal = surety POA.
19 CFR 141.36 · 19 CFR 141.37 · 19 CFR 113.37(g)
Limited partnership POA contents
“A limited partnership POA must name every general and limited partner.”
The rule: A limited partnership POA need only name the general partners with authority to bind the firm (unless the agreement says otherwise), and a copy of the partnership agreement must accompany it. It expires after 2 years.
Remember: General partnership: all members. Limited partnership: general partners with authority + the agreement.
19 CFR 141.39(a)(2) · 19 CFR 141.34
Resident vs. nonresident corporation
“Corporations organized in U.S. territories or in another state need extra authority documentation.”
The rule: Extra documentation of the signer's authority is needed only for a nonresident corporation not qualified to do business in the relevant state. A corporation incorporated in the customs territory (States, DC, Puerto Rico) or the U.S. Virgin Islands is a resident.
Remember: Residents include USVI corporations; foreign-only corporations need proof of the signer's authority.
19 CFR 141.37 · 19 CFR 141.31(d) · 19 CFR 101.1
What ends a power of attorney
“Signing with a new broker automatically revokes the old POA.”
The rule: A POA ends by written revocation received by CBP (141.35), by expiry of a partnership POA after 2 years (141.34), or when a partnership becomes a new firm through a membership change (141.39(b)). Giving a POA to another broker does not revoke the first.
Remember: A principal may have several brokers; revocation must be explicit.
19 CFR 141.34 · 19 CFR 141.35 · 19 CFR 141.39(b)
Try a past question
October 2026 CBLE, question 11
Ace Brokerage, Inc. (Ace Brokerage) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ace Logistics, Inc. (Ace Logistics) and Ace Brokerage holds a customs broker license and national permit. The power of attorney agreements between Ace Brokerage and its clients contain no language making the agreement binding on Ace Brokerage's heirs, assigns, or successors. In 2026, Ace Brokerage will merge into Ace Logistics, and Ace Brokerage will cease to exist. Prior to the merger, Ace Logistics is not a licensed customs broker. Ace Logistics intends to conduct customs business on behalf of Ace Brokerage's former clients following the merger. Based on this scenario, which ONE of the following statements is TRUE?
Show the answer and why
A. Correct. The POAs were granted to Ace Brokerage and do not bind successors, so Ace Logistics needs its own valid POAs before transacting customs business for those clients (19 CFR 141.46).
B. Incorrect. A license is not transferable to a successor; Ace Logistics would need its own license.
C. Incorrect. A national permit is issued to a specific broker and is not transferable.
D. Incorrect. Ace Logistics cannot use another entity's license; doing so would be transacting customs business without a license (19 CFR 111.4).
19 CFR 141.46 · 19 CFR 141.32 · 19 CFR 141.37 · law as of 2026-11-09
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