April 2025 — Question 1
A customs broker has a client's confidential records as defined in CBP regulations pertaining to customs brokers. The records contain information that is not available from a source that is open to the public. The broker's client has specified in writing that the records should be kept confidential. Of those persons listed below, to whom may the broker disclose the confidential records?
- AThe client's surety on a particular entry✓ CBP's answer
- BThe freight forwarder on a particular shipment
- CThe broker's other clients
- DThe client's exporter
Why this answer
Under the confidentiality rule cited, client records held by a broker are confidential and may be disclosed only to a short list of recipients: the client itself, representatives of the Department of Homeland Security and other duly accredited government officers, parties armed with a court order, subpoena, or the client's written authorization, and the surety on a particular entry as to records relating to that entry. The surety is the only listed party among the choices; freight forwarders, other clients, and the exporter have no regulatory entitlement, particularly where the client demanded confidentiality in writing. The forwarder tempts because it handles the same shipment, but operational involvement confers no disclosure right. Watch for: Assuming shipment participants like the forwarder may see records, when only the entry's surety qualifies.
Original CBLE Simulator explanation — the question and key above are CBP's; this analysis is ours. Verify against the current edition before relying on it in practice.
CBP's cited authority
Answer and citations as published in CBP's official answer key for the April 2025 examination.
Reading answers is easy. The exam is 80 of these in 4.5 hours.
Pass rates run 12–30%. Find out in 15 minutes whether you'd clear the 75% line today — free, no signup.