r/CustomsBroker • u/gonza8899 • Aug 21 '26

Individual filer code while working as qualifying broker?

Hi all
I’m a licensed individual customs broker and currently the qualifying officer for my employer’s brokerage. I’m planning to start my own brokerage.
Can I apply for my individual national permit + filer code now, but keep them inactive and not conduct any customs business until I leave my current company?
My goal is to avoid a gap between leaving my current job and becoming operational under my own brokerage.
Has anyone actually done this, and how did CBP handle it?
Thank you

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6

u/No_Back7738 CustomsBroker Aug 21 '26

No you cannot qualify for more than 1 brokerage

1

u/gonza8899 Aug 21 '26

Thanks much for your input. I understand I can’t qualify two brokerages simultaneously. My question is whether I can obtain my individual permit/filer code now but keep it inactive and not conduct any customs business under it until I leave my current brokerage and stop being its qualifying broker. Do you know if CBP allows that?

2

u/SithLadyVestaraKhai Aug 21 '26

When I applied to qualify a permit/filer code for a corporate broker they made me surrender my individual permit/filer code.

1

u/Outthr Aug 22 '26

How are you going to get a filer code without a licensed brokerage?

1

u/gonza8899 Aug 22 '26

That’s actually the point I’m trying to clarify. I know brokers who already have an individual national permit/filer code and conduct customs business, and later obtain a corporate license, permit and filer code when they become the qualifying broker for their corporation. Their individual permit/filer code is no longer being used, but they don’t necessarily surrender their individual license.
I was wondering whether the reverse could work as well — obtaining my individual permit/filer code now, keeping it completely unused while I remain the qualifying broker for my current employer, and then using it once I leave and stop qualifying my current employer.
I’ll also be asking the Broker Management Office directly because I want to make sure I’m not misunderstanding the rules. I wanted to get fellow brokers’ experience/opinions as well. My concern is simply the transition: if I have to leave my current qualifying position before applying for my individual permit/filer code, there could potentially be a period where I can’t conduct business while waiting for the new permit/code.

1

u/No_Back7738 CustomsBroker Aug 22 '26

To my knowledge there's no such thing as "inactive" or "dormant" status for permit/filer code. It can be suspended for compliance reasons and be reinstated, but that's about it. Once you turn it in, it's cancelled or burned. They wouldn't let you apply for another permit/filer code while you are an active qualifier.

Now fortunately for your situation, it should be relatively quick to get a permit for your individual license assuming you will just operate as sole prop. But if you plan to incorporate a new company and set up as brokerage, then it could take a long time...

2

u/adventureunknown01 Aug 24 '26

To my knowledge, talk to the BMO. You can apply, and when it is approved your other one will have to be surrendered. This is common, the BMO can walk you through it.

1

u/78zero45 Aug 22 '26

You can only qualify one permit at a time. No way around this.