The Account Management Program is designed to increase importer compliance and improve customer service through one-on-one interaction with business entities and a designated Customs representative. It is geared to provide a business approach to handling importers rather than the traditional transaction approach used throughout CBP.

Account Management’s mission is to utilize an account-based methodology consistent with risk management principles to develop and maintain the highest level of trade compliance. As a whole, trade compliance incorporates supply chain integrity with border security to enforce, regulate, and administer US trade laws, while fostering the flow of legitimate international trade.

The Account Manager is an experienced CBP Officer who can offer expert advice on a wide variety of topics, such as: valuation, improving internal controls, or joining other CBP programs like ACE. In addition, the Account Manager has contact with CBP subject matter experts at all levels so that questions can be answered as expediently as possible.

Accounts can be either an importer or broker. They are selected by CBP Headquarters Account Management Branch based on value and potential risk to CBP. All importers participating in the Importer Self Assessment (ISA) Program have a designated Account Manager as an additional benefit.

There are many advantages to being and account. The incentives include but are not limited to: access to company data relative to CBP examinations, advance notice on CBP program and policy changes, facilitation with discerning importers (or broker’s) problems and trends, assistance with determining bond sufficiency, among others. Account Managers focus on improving a company’s compliance and internal controls in order to help reduce CBP examinations. The Account Manager acts as the primary point of contact for all CBP issues and provides the best customer service possible.