The National Customs Brokers Licensing Advisory Committee (NCBLAC) is a statutory body under the Customs Act 1901 (the Act). Its functions include the assessment of customs broker licence applications and the preparation of reports for the Comptroller-General of Customs (Comptroller-General).
NCBLAC also investigates customs brokers and/or brokerages that are referred for issues such as non-compliance. They make recommendations to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on further action required in respect of the licensee.
It comprises of 3 members:
- an independent Chair
- an industry member
- a Commonwealth member.
NCBLAC reviews and assesses all completed licence applications. They then make a recommendation to the Comptroller-General on each applicant's suitability to be a licensed customs broker. An applicant may need to attend an interview undertaken by the NCBLAC if their application does not adequately demonstrate that they meet the core criteria.
This might be because, for example:
- there are issues about whether the applicant is a fit and proper person or business to hold a licence
- the applicant is seeking an exemption from the requirement to have completed an approved course of study, or
- the application does not sufficiently demonstrate that they have the level of acquired experience that would equip them to be a customs broker.
The need for an interview can considerably increase an application’s processing time.
The main reason NCBLAC needs to conduct interviews is because applicants fail to provide enough detailed information about their acquired experience. When this is the issue, NCBLAC may ask about an applicant’s actual experience, and/or how they would respond to other areas of broker activity new to them. This will happen with reference to theoretical scenarios which could arise during a licensed broker's duties.
Applicants who put particular effort into the preparation of their Statement of acquired experience are much less likely to need to interview. This is also the case if applicants provide NCBLAC with enough information to fairly and accurately assess their ability to operate.
The applicant may bring documents or electronic equipment, for example a tablet or laptop, but this is not essential. NCBLAC is more interested in hearing what the applicant has to say - demonstrating that person's knowledge and experience without needing to refer to other sources.
Interviews occur in private. Applicants may have a person of their choice accompany them who can only speak on behalf of the applicant with agreement from NCBLAC.
NCBLAC interviews occur in most capital cities. A member of the Secretariat that supports NCBLAC is also present at the interviews. Interviews are audio recorded so that a written transcript can be prepared if necessary.
What to expect on the day of the NCBLAC interview:
The Secretariat will meet the applicant on arrival and provide them with 2 written scenarios. The scenarios are based on situations that a customs broker is likely to come across in their employment. The applicant is encouraged to make notes on any inconsistencies or issues they identify. Towards the end of the interview NCBLAC will ask questions relating to the 2 scenarios.
After the applicant has reviewed the written scenarios, the Secretariat will escort them to a meeting room to meet NCBLAC - consisting of a Chair, Industry member and Commonwealth member. The Chair will provide introductions and detail on the interview process.
During the interview, each NCBLAC member will pose hypothetical situations and ask direct questions relating to the work of a customs broker. These questions will refer to the topics listed in the Nominee customs broker licence application checklist.
NCBLAC will advise applicants that it is 'not fatal' if an answer does not come to them immediately in recognition that they will have a number of resources to assist them in their office. In this case, the applicant will need to advise NCBLAC how they intend on arriving at the correct answer.
Following the interview and after the applicant has left, NCBLAC will discuss the applicant’s performance. They will then provide a recommendation report for the Comptroller-General to consider.
The Comptroller-General will decide whether to grant the applicant a customs broker licence or not. The applicant will receive their result via a Notice of Outcome email. This can take up to 6 weeks from the interview date.
Applicants that are unsuccessful in obtaining a customs broker licence will receive a NCBLAC recommendation report. This outlines the questions the applicant was unable to answer and the areas they will need to expand their knowledge and/or experience on before reapplying.
Successful licence applicants will receive a licence invoice. Following payment, the applicant will receive a customs broker licence.
