Harak v. United States

Slip Op. 06-106
UNITED STATES COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
____________________________________
x
OMKAR HARAK, :
Plaintiff, : Before: Judge Judith M. Barzilay
v. : Court No. 05-00365
UNITED STATES, :
Defendant. :
____________________________________x
OPINION
[Plaintiff’s Motion for Judgment upon the Agency Record denied; Defendant’s Motion for
Judgment upon the Agency Record granted.]
Dated: July 18, 2006
Pietragallo Bosick & Gordon, LLP (Albert Nicholas Peterlin) for the plaintiff.
Peter D. Keisler, Assistant Attorney General; (Barbara S. Williams), Attorney in Charge,
International Trade Field Office; (Aimee Lee), U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division,
Commercial Litigation Branch; Louritha Green, Office of Associate Chief Counsel, United
States Customs & Border Protection, of counsel, for the defendant.
BARZILAY, JUDGE: Plaintiff moves for Judgment upon the Agency Record
pursuant to USCIT Rule 56.1, seeking review of the denial of his application for a customs
broker’s license, which was based on his failure to achieve a passing score of 75% on the
requisite examination. Specifically, Plaintiff petitions this court for reversal of the Department
of Homeland Security’s Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning’s (“Assistant Secretary”)
Court No. 05-00365 Page 2
denial upon administrative review of credit for nine answers to exam questions initially scored as
incorrect. Defendant has filed a cross-motion in opposition, seeking that the court uphold the
Assistant Secretary’s decision. For the reasons stated below, Plaintiff’s motion is denied, and the
case is dismissed.
BACKGROUND
Plaintiff Omkar Harak (“Plaintiff” or “Harak”) sat for the April 5, 2004, administration of
the Customs Broker License Examination.1 A.R.2 Ex. A at [1]. In a letter dated May 14, 2004,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“Customs”) advised Plaintiff of his score of 65% and that
75% or higher was required to achieve a passing score.3 A.R. Ex. A at [1]. The letter further
prescribed the procedure for challenging the score, notified Plaintiff of the next scheduled
examination, and provided contact information for the relevant authorities. A.R. Ex. A at [1].
Included with Customs’ letter was a copy of Plaintiff’s answer sheet, examination booklet, and
answer key. A.R. Ex. A at [2-26]. Failure to achieve a passing score does not preclude an
1
The examination is prepared, administered, and graded semiannually by U.S. Customs
and Border Protection pursuant to its statutory authority under 19 U.S.C. § 1641(b)(2) (2000).
The examination aims to test an individual’s “knowledge of customs and related laws,
regulations and procedures, bookkeeping, accounting, and all other appropriate matters necessary
to render valuable service to importers and exporters.” 19 C.F.R. § 111.13(a) (2003). The exam
consists of 80 multiple choice questions; the minimum passing score is 75 %. A.R. Ex. A at [4].
As one of the criteria of obtaining a broker’s license, the examinee must correctly answer at least
60 questions. See 19 C.F.R. § 111.11(4).
2
“A.R.” represents the Administrative Record in this case, which is composed of
exhibits. For the sake of convenience, the record was paginated starting on the first page of
Exhibit A; page numbers are bracketed in the citations to the record.
3
The April 2004 examination was not the first time Plaintiff failed to achieve a passing
score. Plaintiff explained in his letter of February 7, 2005, that he did not pass the April 2003
administration of the examination and “accepted the results” despite his discontent. Letter from
Plaintiff to Secretary of the Treasury (Feb. 7, 2005).
Court No. 05-00365 Page 3
examinee from retaking the examination at a later date. 19 C.F.R. § 111.13(e). The record does
not reflect whether Plaintiff has retaken or plans to retake the examination.
Plaintiff sent a letter requesting an appeal of his score and challenging thirteen exam
questions.4 See A.R. Ex. B at [28]. In a letter dated August 19, 2004, Customs granted credit for
four of those questions, but denied credit for the remainder. A.R. Ex. B at [28]. Of the
challenged questions, credit was granted for Plaintiff’s answers to questions 12, 16, 25, and 80.
A.R. Ex. B. at [28]. The record does not reflect any reasoning for granting credit for these four
answers, only that credit was granted. A.R. Ex. B at [28]. Credit was denied for his answers to
questions 8, 14, 15, 19, 36, 38, 44, 73, 74. A.R. Ex. B at [28]. The decision to grant credit for
those four questions raised Plaintiff’s score to 70%, which was still four correct answers shy of a
passing score. In its letter, Customs included several pages explaining the single correct and
several incorrect answers for every question that Plaintiff was denied credit. A.R. Ex. B at [30-
38].
In a letter dated September 20, 2004, Plaintiff then petitioned the Department of
Homeland Security, Border and Transportation Security Directorate (“Directorate”) for further
review of the nine contested questions for which he was denied credit. A.R. Ex. C at [40].
Plaintiff also submitted an addendum in which he dedicated one page to challenging each of the
nine questions. A.R. Ex. C at [41-49].
Upon the determination that Customs had the authority to decide the disposition of
Plaintiff’s petition, the Office of the Executive Secretariat, Transportation Security
4
The Administrative Record filed by the Government does not include a copy of this
appeal. However, the August 19, 2004, letter from Customs refers to Plaintiff’s appeal in the
first paragraph. A.R. Ex. B at [28].
Court No. 05-00365 Page 4
Administration (“Secretariat”) redirected Plaintiff’s petition to Customs on October 20, 2004.5
A.R. Ex. D at [52]. The Secretariat declared its intent to send Plaintiff a copy of this letter as
notification of the transfer, though the administrative record does not reveal Plaintiff’s receipt of
any communication. A.R. Ex. D at [52]. Plaintiff’s petition was then faxed by Customs to
Plaintiff’s original addressee at the Directorate. A.R. Ex. D at [54]. Customs followed up in a
letter dated November 24, 2004, informing Plaintiff that his appeal petition had been
“inadvertently misrouted [sic],” that it would be considered timely, and that the Department of
Homeland Security would send written notification detailing the results of the appeal. A.R. Ex.
F at [56].
The Assistant Secretary informed Plaintiff of its determination to affirm the denial of
credit for the nine contested questions by letter dated January 31, 2005. A.R. Ex. G at [58]. The
brief letter does not offer information regarding the option of further appeal. A.R. Ex. G at [58].
Finally, Plaintiff wrote to the Secretary of the Treasury requesting further administrative review.6
Plaintiff’s Letter to Secretary of the Treasury (Feb. 7, 2005); see A.R. at [ii]. Customs replied on
April 20, 2005, advising Plaintiff that the Secretary of the Treasury no longer decides appeals of
this nature and that his options for administrative review were exhausted. Customs Letter to
Plaintiff (Apr. 20, 2005); see A.R. at [ii]. The letter further advises Plaintiff that he is entitled to
pursue an appeal with this Court and of the date of the next Customs Broker License
5
This transfer was ultimately incorrect. The erroneous “misdirect[ion]” was remedied,
and Plaintiff was notified by letter dated November 24, 2004. See Def.’s Br. 3.
6
The Administrative Record does not include any documents after the Assistant
Secretary’s letter of January 31, 2005. The reason given is that the subsequent four letters were
not considered by the Department of Homeland Security in rendering its final administrative
review . . . , in this case.” A.R. at [ii].
Court No. 05-00365 Page 5
Examination. A.R. at [ii]; see 19 U.S.C. § 1641(e)(1); 19 C.F.R. § 111.17(c).
This action arises out of Plaintiff’s petition to this Court by letter dated May 10, 2005
pursuant to 19 U.S.C. § 1641(e)(1).
JURISDICTION AND STANDARD OF REVIEW
The court has exclusive jurisdiction over this case pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1581(g)(1)
(2000). The Secretary of the Treasury (“Treasury”)7 possesses broad powers over the licensing of
7
Effective March 1, 2003, Customs was renamed the Bureau of Customs and Border
Protection and is now part of the Department of Homeland Security. See Homeland Security Act
of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-296, § 1502, 116 Stat. 2135, 2308 (2002); Reorganization Plan
Modification for the Department of Homeland Security, H.R. Doc. No. 108-32, at 4 (2003). The
relevant administrative appeal process for challenging examination scores is as follows:
If an examinee fails to attain a passing grade on the examination . . ., the examinee
may challenge that result by filing a written appeal with [Customs] . . . . Customs
will provide to the examinee written notice of the decision on the appeal. If the
Customs decision on the appeal affirms the result of the examination, the
examinee may request review of the decision on the appeal by writing to the
Secretary of the Treasury . . . .
19 C.F.R. § 111.13(f) (2004). On May 15, 2003, the Treasury Department issued an order
delegating from the Secretary of the Treasury to the Secretary of Homeland Security “general
authority over Customs revenue functions vested in the Secretary of the Treasury as set forth in
the Homeland Security Act of 2002.” Delegation of Authority to the Secretary of Homeland
Security, 68 Fed. Reg. 28,322-01, 28,322 (May 23, 2003). It should be noted that although the
language of the order does not specify that Customs decisions are appealed by writing to the
Secretary of Homeland Security, the government’s brief postulates that the Secretary of the
Treasury delegated authority to decide customs cases to the Department of Homeland Security
per its order published in 68 Fed. Reg. 28,322. Def.’s Br. 1 (stating that “[o]n November 12,
2003, authority to decide administrative appeals of customs broker licensing examination results
was delegated to the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistant Secretary for Policy and
Planning.”). Plaintiff does not challenge this transfer of authorities. See also 19 U.S.C. § 1641(Supp. 2003), stating:
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the United States
Customs Service of the Department of the Treasury, including the functions of the
Secretary of the Treasury relating thereto, to the Secretary of Homeland Security,
and for treatment of related references, see sections 203(1), 551(d), 552(d) and
557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security
Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under 6
Court No. 05-00365 Page 6
customs brokers. See Dunn-Heiser v. United States, 29 CIT __, __, 374 F. Supp. 2d 1276, 1279
(2005). “The findings of the Secretary [of the Treasury] as to the facts, if supported by
substantial evidence, shall be conclusive.” 19 U.S.C. § 1641(e)(3). Substantial evidence is “such
relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.”
Consol. Edison Co. v. NLRB, 305 U.S. 197, 229 (1938).
Because the relevant statutes are silent regarding the proper standard of review in
considering the legal questions in customs broker’s license denial cases, the court is guided by
the Administrative Procedure Act (“APA”). O’Quinn v. United States, 24 CIT 324, 325, 100 F.
Supp. 2d 1136, 1137 (2000). Under the standard laid out in the APA, the court will uphold the
final administrative decision of the Assistant Secretary, unless the decision was “‘arbitrary,
capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.’” Id. (quoting 5
U.S.C. § 706(2)(A)). “[T]he arbitrary and capricious test requires that the agency engage in
reasoned decision-making in grading the exam.” Id. (citing 2 Kenneth Culp Davis & Richard J.
Pierce, Jr., Administrative Law Treatise § 11.4, at 203 (3d ed. 1994)).
Regarding the review of exam questions, the Federal Circuit explained:
Underpinning a decision to deny a license arising from an applicant's failure to
pass the licensing examination are factual determinations grounded in
examination administration issues-such as . . . the allowance of credit for answers
other than the official answer-which are subject to limited judicial review . . . .
Kenny v. Snow, 401 F.3d 1359, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2005). Although this Court reviews each
U.S.C.A. § 542.
19 U.S.C. § 1641. Given that the Secretary of the Treasury has the statutorily mandated power to
delegate its functions related to Customs’ work, and Congress’ anticipation that functions would
be transferred, the court will substitute the Secretary of the Treasury with the Secretary for
Homeland Security where appropriate in relevant statutes.
Court No. 05-00365 Page 7
exam question, “[p]arties should not conclude from the court’s detailed examination of
the test answers that the court is some kind of final reviewer of the [exam].” Di Iorio v.
United States, 14 CIT 746, 752 (1990) (not reported in F. Supp.). In this case, the
Assistant Secretary’s decision rested on an analysis of Plaintiff’s exam results. The court,
therefore, “will not substitute its own judgment on the merits of the Customs
examination, but will examine decisions made in connection therewith on a
reasonableness standard.” Id. at 747.
DISCUSSION
“Among the lawful grounds for denying a license is the failure to pass the licensing
examination.” Kenny v. Snow, 401 F.3d at 1361; see 19 U.S.C. § 1641(b)(2) (“the Secretary may
conduct an examination to determine the applicant’s knowledge of customs and related laws”);
19 C.F.R. § 111.11(a) (“to obtain a broker’s license, an individual must . . . [have] attain[ed] a
passing (75 percent or higher) grade on a written examination”); 19 C.F.R. § 111.16(b)(2)
(“grounds sufficient to justify denial of an application for a license include . . . the failure to meet
any requirement set forth in [19 C.F.R.] § 111.11").8 In reviewing the Assistant Secretary’s
decision to deny the license, the court “necessarily conduct[s] some inquiry into plaintiff’s
arguments and defendant’s responses concerning each” of the questions. Di Iorio, 14 CIT at 747.
8
The relevant regulations also provide:
If an examinee fails to attain a passing grade on the examination . . ., the examinee
may challenge that result by filing a written appeal with [Customs]. . . . Customs
will provide to the examinee written notice of the decision on the appeal. If the
Customs [sic] decision on the appeal affirms the result of the examination, the
examinee may request review of the decision on the appeal by writing to the
Secretary of the Treasury . . . .
19 C.F.R. § 111.13(f).
Court No. 05-00365 Page 8
In addition to challenging the Assistant Secretary’s decision to deny him credit for the nine
questions, Harak also takes issue with the Assistant Secretary’s explanation for the denial of his
appeal. First, the court will address Plaintiff’s specific challenges regarding the nine test
questions, and then turn to Plaintiff’s argument regarding the adequacy of the explanation.
1. The Contested Questions
Question 8
Defendant states that Question 8 requires an examinee to classify merchandise under the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (2004) (“HTSUS”), 19 U.S.C. § 1202. Def.’s
Br. 10. The question asks:
8. What is the correct CLASSIFICATION for assembled multifunctional
all-in-one office equipment consisting of a copier, facsimile, scanner, and
laser printer--including a media transport, control and print
mechanism--that is capable of no more than 20 black and white pages per
minute?
A. 8471.60.51
B. 8471.60.52
C. 8471.60.62
D. 8471.60.61
E. 9008.40.00
To answer the question correctly, an examinee must recognize the difference between a
subheading that states a specific attribute of a printer unit and the residual subheading “Other.”
The official correct answer is choice B, which reflects subheading 8471.60.52: an “[a]ssembled
printer unit incorporating at least the media transport, control and print mechanisms: Laser: . . .
Other.” Def.’s Br. 11. In accord with the official correct answer, the equipment in the question
is properly classifiable under subheading 8471.60.52 since it falls outside the parameters set forth
in 8471.60.51, i.e. it is not capable of producing more than 20 pages per minute. 8471.60.51,
Court No. 05-00365 Page 9
HTSUS.
Plaintiff does not explicitly dispute that choice B is correct, but claims that his answer,
choice C, was also a proper response to the question. Pl.’s Br. 8. In support of his argument,
Plaintiff states that choice C otherwise “satisfies the requirements set forth in the question,”
except that there is a “stark absence of reference to the printer being unassembled in
[8471.60.62].” Pl.’s Br. 8. Subheading 8471.60.62 is a residual subheading that encompasses
laser printer units other than “[a]ssembled units incorporating at least the media transport, control
and print mechanisms” and other than those capable of producing more than 20 pages per
minute. 8471.60.62, HTSUS. Simply, it is the proper classification for unassembled laser printer
units lacking one or more of the named mechanisms and capable of producing no more than 20
color or black and white pages per minute.
In Brother Int’l Corp. v. United States, this Court agreed with a tariff classification ruling
related to a “‘multi-function machine in one common housing that can perform, [sic] printing,
copying, scanning, fax and PC fax functions’” capable of printing six pages per minute.9 29 CIT
__, __, 368 F. Supp. 2d 1345, 1348 (2005) (quoting NY B87982 (Aug. 4, 1997), available at
1997 WL 564809). In that ruling, Customs found that the principal function of that machine was
its printing function and that “[i]n its imported condition . . . [the MFC 10 was] not an ‘assembled’
9
That case involved an undisputed misclassification by a customs broker. The legal
question was “whether a mistake of fact or mistake of law caused the misclassification of the
MFCs,” and as such the holding itself does not apply in this action. Brother Int’l Corp., 368 F.
Supp. 2d at 1347; see id at 1352 (holding that “the broker's application of GRI principles to
determine proper tariff classification of merchandise [was] tantamount to the construction of a
law” and so “the broker's result amounted to an error in the construction of a law”).
10
MFC is a proprietary acronym describing a “Multi-Function Center” manufactured by
Court No. 05-00365 Page 10
printer since it [did] not contain the print mechanism.” NY B87982 at *1. Based on these
findings, Customs determined that the printer was properly classifiable under subheading
8471.60.62. Id. Thus, the equipment described in the question is not properly classifiable under
subheading 8471.60.62, and choice C therefore is an incorrect answer.
Plaintiff’s complaint appears to be with the HTSUS itself rather than with question 8 and
its corresponding answer choices. As the question was designed to test an understanding of the
structure of the HTSUS and its usage of “Other” subheadings, the court is not convinced by
Plaintiff’s objections. Accordingly, the court finds that Defendant reasonably denied Plaintiff’s
appeal with respect to this question.
Question 14
Question 14 also requires an examinee to classify goods under the applicable HTSUS
heading and subheading. The question states:
14. What is the correct CLASSIFICATION for chilled cocktail onions not
over 16mm in diameter and preserved in vinegar?
A. 0703.10.3000
B. 0703.10.4000
C. 0711.90.5000
D. 0712.20.4000
E. 2001.90.3400
To select the proper classification subheading, the examinee must sort through several identifiers,
avoid red herrings, and recognize the pivotal fact that the onions are preserved in vinegar. The
official correct answer is choice E, subheading 2001.90.34, which refers to “Vegetables, fruits,
Brother International. Brother International, http://www.brother-usa.com/mfc/ (last visited June
28, 2006).
Court No. 05-00365 Page 11
nuts, and other edible parts of plants, prepared or preserved by vinegar or acetic acid: . . . Other:
. . . Onions.”11 Def.’s Br. 12 (citing 2001.90.34, HTSUS.). Plaintiff argues that since subheading
2001.90.34 does not reference a limitation in diameter, choice E is invalid. Pl.’s Br. 9. The
diameter limitation is a red herring; since subheading 2001.90.34 does not reference a size
limitation, it is the correct classification for onions preserved by vinegar or acetic acid of
whatever size. 2001.90.3400, HTSUS.
Plaintiff argues that subheading 0703.10.4000 under Chapter 7 of the HTSUS (“Edible
Vegetables and Certain Roots and Tubers”) is the proper classification, which is reflected by his
answer, choice B. Pl.’s Br. 9. As Defendant notes, the Achilles’ heel in answer choice B is that
contrary to the characterization of the goods in the question, 0703.10.4000 is the subheading for
onions and shallots over 16mm in diameter. Def.’s Br. 12. Furthermore, like the other answer
choices derived from Chapter 7, “it does not account for [the onions] being ‘preserved in
vinegar.’”12 Def.’s Br. 12. Therefore, Defendant reasonably denied Plaintiff’s appeal of this
question.
Question 15
Question 15 requires the examinee to apply Customs’ procedures for merchandise entered
under bond under chapter 98, subchapter XIII, HTSUS, to a factual scenario. The question
11
In 2004, Customs ruled upon request that the proper classification of onions preserved
in vinegar (Borretane Onions in Balsamic vinegar) was 2001.90.3400. NY K83413 (May 7,
2004), available at 2004 WL 1182548.
12
As supplemental support for its response to Plaintiff, Defendant cites the Explanatory
Notes to Chapter 7 of the HTSUS, which provide that vegetables that “have been prepared or
preserved otherwise than as provided for in the headings of this Chapter,” as the onions in
question 14, “are . . . excluded.” Def.’s Br. 13.
Court No. 05-00365 Page 12
states:
15. Goods arrive at the port of Philadelphia and are entered temporarily into
the U.S. under Chapter 98, Subchapter XIII of the Harmonized Tariff
Schedule of the United States. Nine months later, the goods are in Los
Angeles and the importer wants them to remain in the U.S. for four more
months. What action should the importer take?
A. File a consumption entry
B. File a written application for an extension on Customs Form 3173 with the
Commissioner of Customs
C. File a written application for an extension on Customs Form 3173 with the
director of the port of Philadelphia
D. File a written application for an extension on Customs Form 3173 with the
director of the port of Los Angeles
E. Do nothing, because a Temporary Importation Bond already covers the
goods.
To answer correctly, the examinee must recognize that the goods are entered temporarily under
bond, and that those goods are allowed to remain in the United States for an aggregate period in
excess of the one year allowed by U.S. Note 1(a), chapter 98, subchapter XIII, HTSUS.13 Def.’s
Br. 15. Pursuant to 19 C.F.R. § 10.37, after the first year of initial entry under bond, the importer
may request an extension of time for exportation of goods for up to two additional years, or such
shorter period as may be appropriate.14 Def.’s Br. 15. Defendant identifies the correct answer as
13
U.S. Note 1(a), chapter 98, subchapter XIII, HTSUS (“Articles Admitted Temporarily
Free of Duty Under Bond”) provides in relevant part:
The articles described in the provisions of this subchapter, when not imported for
sale or for sale on approval, may be admitted into the United States without
payment of duty, under bond for their exportation within 1 year from the date of
importation, which period, in the discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury, may
be extended, upon application, for one or more further periods which, when added
to the initial 1 year, shall not exceed a total of 3 years . . . .
14
That section provides:
The period of time during which merchandise entered under bond under chapter
98, subchapter XIII, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (19 U.S.C.
Court No. 05-00365 Page 13
choice C, because the question clearly identifies Philadelphia as the port of entry. Def.’s Br. 14.
Plaintiff argues without explanation that his answer, choice D, should be credited. Pl.’s
Br. 17. Under the scenario in question 15, 19 C.F.R. § 10.37 permits the director of the port at
Philadelphia, where the entry was filed, to grant extensions upon receipt of a written application
on Customs Form 3173, as reflected by the official correct answer. Choice D is an incorrect
answer since it states that the importer should apply for an extension in Los Angeles, which was
not the port where the entry was filed.
Plaintiff argues that the absence of regulatory language in choice C, which sets forth
situations in which extensions may not be granted, renders the question unfairly confusing.15
Pl.’s Br. 16-17. If an examination question does not contain sufficient information to choose an
answer, it may be considered faulty in its drafting and disposed of accordingly. See O’Quinn, 24
CIT at 328. However, the facts presented in the question do not reflect that any of the events
referenced in the absent language have occurred. Therefore, even though that particular language
is absent, the question contains sufficient information for an examinee to select the correct
answer choice C.
[§] 1202), may remain in the Customs territory of the United States, may be
extended for not more than two further periods of 1 year each, or such shorter
period as may be appropriate. Extensions may be granted by the director of the
port where the entry was filed upon written application on Customs Form 3173,
provided the articles have not been exported or destroyed before the receipt of the
application, and liquidated damages have not been assessed under the bond before
receipt of the application. . . .
19 C.F.R. § 10.37 (2003) (emphasis added).
15
The excluded text is: “provided the articles have not been exported or destroyed before
the receipt of the application, and liquidated damages have not been assessed under the bond
before receipt of the application. . . .” 19 C.F.R. § 10.37 (2003).
Court No. 05-00365 Page 14
Plaintiff’s argument that 19 C.F.R. § 10.38 suggests additional options for articles
admitted temporarily free of duty under bond is unpersuasive.16 Pl.’s Br. 17. The question,
designed to test knowledge of the procedures of filing an extension for exportation, does not
require the examinee to contemplate the eventual exportation of the goods at issue. Therefore,
the question does not implicate 19 C.F.R. § 10.38.
Defendant was reasonable in its determination that inclusion of the phrase was not
necessary to the examinee’s ability to correctly answer the question. See Di Iorio, 14 CIT at 750.
The question was not ambiguous or otherwise unfair, and the Assistant Secretary’s decision to
deny credit for answer choice D was reasonable. See Dunn-Heiser, 374 F. Supp. 2d at 1280.
Question 19
Question 19 aims to test an examinee’s understanding of 19 C.F.R. § 141.89, which
details the information required on invoices for fur products and furs imported into the United
States.17 Def.’s Br. 16. The question states:
16
That regulation provides:
(a) Articles entered under chapter 98, subchapter XIII, Harmonized Tariff
Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) (19 U.S.C. [§] 1202) may be exported at
the port of entry or at another port. An application on Customs Form 3495 shall
be filed in duplicate with the port director of a sufficient length of time in advance
of exportation . . . .
....
(c) If exportation is to be made at a port other than the one at which the
merchandise was entered, the application on Customs Form 3495 shall be filed in
triplicate. . . .
19 C.F.R. § 10.38 (2003).
17
That regulation sets forth:
(a) Invoices for the following classes of merchandise, classifiable under the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), shall set forth the
additional information specified:
....
Court No. 05-00365 Page 15
19. Which is NOT required on invoices for furs and fur products imported
into the U.S.?
A. The names of the animals that produced the fur
B. The manufacturers' names and addresses
C. The countries of origin
D. A statement that the fur product contains or is composed of bleached,
dyed, or otherwise artificially colored fur, when such is the fact
E. A statement that the fur product is not composed wholly or in substantial
part of paws, tails, bellies, or waste fur
The question compels the examinee to identify which of the five answer choices contains
information not required by the regulation. Defendant certifies the correct answer as choice E.
Def.’s Br. 17. In support, Defendant accurately specifies that 19 C.F.R. § 141.89(a)(4) does not
require a statement that the fur product is not “composed wholly or in substantial part of paws,
tails, bellies, or waste fur,” but rather requires affirmative disclosure only where the fur product
is composed of such materials. Def.’s Br. 17. Choices B and C reflect the requirements of 19
C.F.R §§ 141.89(a)(5) and (6), respectively, and are therefore incorrect. Plaintiff’s answer,
choice D, is taken verbatim from § 141.89(a)(3) and therefore was reasonably deemed incorrect
by Customs.
Fur products and furs (T.D. 53064) -- (1) Name or names (as set forth in the Fur
Products Name Guide (16 CFR [§] 301.0) of the animal or animals that produced
the fur, and such qualifying statements as may be required pursuant to § 7(c) of
the Fur Products Labeling Act (15 U.S.C. [§] 69e(c)); (2) A statement that the fur
product contains or is composed of used fur, when such is the fact; (3) A
statement that [sic] fur product contains or is composed of bleached, dyed, or
otherwise artificially colored fur, when such is the fact; (4) A statement that the
fur product is composed wholly or in substantial part of paws, tails, bellies, or
waste fur, when such is the fact; (5) Name and address of the manufacturer of the
fur product; (6) Name of the country of origin of the furs or those contained in the
fur product.
19 C.F.R. § 141.89 (2003) (emphasis added).
Court No. 05-00365 Page 16
Plaintiff argues that the word “may” in 19 C.F.R. § 141.89(a)(1) implies that the
requirements of the regulation are flexible, thus rendering the question unfairly confusing. Pl.’s
Br. 17-18. This argument is a flawed understanding of the regulation. The addition of the
regulatory phrase, “and such qualifying statements as may be required pursuant to § 7(c) of the
Fur Products Labeling Act (15 U.S.C. § 69e(c))” is merely a reference to the possibility that in
addition to the name or names of the animal that produced the fur, information may be required
under the Fur Products Labeling Act in certain circumstances. 19 C.F.R. § 141.89(a). Such
additional requirements have no bearing whatsoever on the minimal requirement that the name or
names of the animals that produced the fur be included on an invoice of imported goods under 19
C.F.R. § 141.89(a)(1). The absence of such language does not render choice A any less correct
and does not support the conclusion that the question is unfairly confusing or ambiguously
drafted. See Di Iorio, 14 CIT at 750; O’Quinn, 24 CIT at 328, 100 F. Supp. 2d. at 1140. For
these reasons, the Assistant Secretary engaged in reasoned decision-making in its denial of credit
for Plaintiff’s answer to this question.
Question 36
According to Defendant, Question 36 was designed to examine knowledge of the
hierarchy of the methods for appraisement of imported merchandise as set forth in 19 C.F.R.
§ 152.101(b).18 Def.’s Br. 18. The question states:
18
The regulation provides in part:
(b) Methods. Imported merchandise will be appraised on the basis, and in the
order, of the following:
(1) The transaction value provided for in § 152.103;
(2) The transaction value of identical merchandise provided for in § 152.104, if
the transaction value cannot be determined, or can be determined but cannot be
used because of the limitations provided for in § 152.103(j);
Court No. 05-00365 Page 17
36. Which statement about the order of appraisement of imported merchandise
as stipulated in the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 is correct?
A. If the value cannot be determined, minimum value can be used as a basis
of appraisement
B. The importer can choose to use computed value in lieu of deductive value
C. The importer can choose to use deductive value before transaction value
D. Transaction value of similar merchandise is the last basis of appraisement
E. If computed value cannot be determined, the transaction value may not be
reasonably adjusted to arrive at a value.
The official correct answer is choice B, for which Defendant cites 19 C.F.R. §§ 152.101(b)(5)
and 152.101(c) as support.19 Def.’s Br. 18.
Plaintiff’s response, choice E, was deemed incorrect. Def.’s Br. 19. A reading of the
regulation reveals the reasoning behind the Assistant Secretary’s denial of Plaintiff’s appeal with
respect to this question. Where the computed value cannot be determined, Defendant correctly
points to the reference in 19 C.F.R. § 152.101(b)(6) to § 152.107(1) as providing an alternative
method “derived from the methods set forth in §§ 152.103 through 152.106, reasonably adjusted
to the extent necessary to arrive at a value.” 19 C.F.R. § 152.107(a). Therefore, Plaintiff’s
(3) The transaction value of similar merchandise provided for in § 152.104, if the
transaction value of identical merchandise cannot be determined;
(4) The deductive value provided for in § 152.105, if the transaction value of
similar merchandise cannot be determined;
(5) The computed value provided for in § 152.106, if the deductive value cannot
be determined; or
(6) The value provided for in § 152.107, if the computed value cannot be
determined.
19 C.F.R. § 152.101(b) (2003).
19
19 C.F.R. § 152.101(c) provides in part:
(c) Importer's option. The importer may request the application of the computed value method
before the deductive value method. The request must be made at the time the entry summary for
the merchandise is filed with the port director (see § 141.0a(b) of this chapter). . . .
Court No. 05-00365 Page 18
answer was found to be incorrect and credit was denied.
On appeal, Plaintiff insists that choice E is a proper response, based on several
arguments. First, “the question fails to identify pertinent information relating to the referenced
act” – meaning that instead of referring to the Tariff Act of 1930, 19 U.S.C. § 1401, the question
refers to the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, which amended the Tariff Act of 1930. Pl.’s Br. 12.
Second, Plaintiff states that 19 C.F.R. § 152.101(b) lists in order various parts of 19 C.F.R. § 152and that none of these parts are listed as options. Pl.’s Br. 12. Third, Harak correctly states that
option B refers the examinee to 19 C.F.R. § 152.101(c), which allows that an importer “may
request” the application of the computed value method “before” the deductive value method.
Harak argues that choice B misreads § 152.101(c) because it uses the word “in lieu” as opposed
to “before,” changing the meaning of the regulation. Furthermore, he argues that choice B is
incorrect because it provides that the importer “can choose to use computed value before
transaction value,” whereas § 152.101(c) merely allows the importer to request the reversal of the
procedure set out in § 152.101(b). Pl.’s Br. 11-12. Finally, he argues that 19 C.F.R.
§ 152.101(c) sets forth time requirements for making such a request, which do not appear in
option B.
The government retorts that these arguments are unavailing for reasons that the court
finds persuasive. First, the question’s use of “Trade Agreements Act of 1979” is not misleading
because section 201 of that act actually amended the relevant statute, 19 U.S.C. § 1401a.20 As
20
The section of the regulation that is pertinent to identifying the relevant law sets forth:
(a) Effective date. The value for appraisement of merchandise exported to the
United States on or after July 1, 1980, or, for articles classified under subheading
6401.10.00 Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (19 U.S.C. [§]
1202), on or after July 1, 1981, will be determined in accordance with section 402,
Court No. 05-00365 Page 19
the government explained, “the use of either [act] provides the applicant with a level of
specificity sufficient to answer the question and apply the relevant regulations.” Def.’s Br. 19.
Regarding Plaintiff’s second argument, the question does not need to explicitly mention the
regulations when it tests knowledge of their content. Obviously, what is tested is the future
broker’s knowledge of law, not his mere ability to read regulations.21 Plaintiff’s third argument
is also without merit: 19 C.F.R. § 152.101(c) allows an importer to choose to use computed value
before deductive value as long as the importer makes the request at the time the entry summary is
filed. The language in § 152.101(c) does not contradict the statement in choice B because the
importer’s ability to choose (“can choose”) is implied by the subsection. Finally, the substitution
of the words “in lieu of” for “before” does not make the question unfairly confusing. See Di
Iorio, 14 CIT at 748-49.
The court has also considered Plaintiff’s remaining arguments and has found them to be
without merit. Therefore, Defendant has shown that it engaged in reasoned decision-making in
its denial of Plaintiff’s appeal of this question.
Question 38
Question 38 aims to assess a test-taker’s understanding of the administration of quotas.
Def.’s Br. 20. It states:
38. Which is true regarding quota?
Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. [§]1401a), as amended by section 201, Trade
Agreements Act of 1979.
19 C.F.R. § 152.101(a) (2003).
21
The exam is open book. A.R. Ex. A at [4] (stating that examinee is responsible for
having Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (2004) and Title 19, Code of Federal
Regulations).
Court No. 05-00365 Page 20
A. An entry for consumption for merchandise that has arrived within the
Customs territory of the United States may not be submitted for
preliminary review without deposit of estimated duties within a time frame
approved by the port director
B. When it is anticipated that a quota will be filled at the opening of the quota
period, entry summaries for consumption, with estimated duties attached,
shall be presented before 12 noon Eastern Standard Time
C. Special arrangements shall not be made so that all entry summaries for
consumption for quota merchandise may be presented at the exact moment
of the opening of the quota in all time zones
D. In the event a quota is prorated, entry summaries for consumption shall be
returned to the importer for adjustment
E. Merchandise imported in excess of a filled quota can only be exported
The question requires an examinee to identify an accurately stated requirement of the regulation
from a list of five potential answer choices. Defendant points to choice D as the correct answer,
citing the regulation outlining the procedure on the opening of potentially filled quotas, as
codified in 19 C.F.R. § 132.12(c)(2).22 Def.’s Br. 20. Plaintiff’s answer, choice B, was deemed
incorrect due to the presence of the solitary, yet crucial word “not,” which made choice B an
affirmative mandate and the converse of the prohibition in 19 C.F.R. § 132.12(a).23 Defendant
22
The relevant part of that regulation stipulates, “In the event a quota is prorated, entry
summaries for consumption, or withdrawals for consumption, with estimated duties attached,
shall be returned to the importer for adjustment. . . .” 19 C.F.R. § 132.12(c)(2) (2003).
23
That section provides:
(a) Preliminary review before opening. When it is anticipated that a quota will be
filled at the opening of the quota period, entry summaries for consumption, or
withdrawals for consumption, with estimated duties attached, shall not be
presented before 12 noon Eastern Standard Time in all time zones. However, an
entry summary for consumption, or withdrawal for consumption, for merchandise
which has arrived within the Customs territory of the United States may be
submitted for preliminary review without deposit of estimated duties within a time
period before the opening approved by the port director. Submission of these
documents before opening will not accord the merchandise quota priority or
status.
19 C.F.R. § 132.12(a) (2003) (emphasis added).
Court No. 05-00365 Page 21
was therefore reasonable in denying credit for that answer.
Plaintiff next argues that due to the question’s omission of “pertinent language,” the
official correct answer, choice D, is “ambiguous at best and incorrect at worse [sic].” Pl.’s Br.
13. As with other such objections in this action, Defendant responds that the omission of “with
estimated duties attached” is not fatal to the accuracy of the statement in choice D. Def.’s Br. 20.
As the court has stated elsewhere in this opinion, if a question is ambiguously drafted or does not
contain sufficient information to choose an answer, it may be considered faulty. See Carrier v.
United States, 20 CIT 227, 232 (1996) (not reported in F. Supp.); O’Quinn, 24 CIT at 328, 100 F.
Supp. 2d at 1140. However, a question or answer choice need not reflect the precise wording of
the regulation in order to be valid. See Di Iorio, 14 CIT at 750. The phrase “with estimated
duties attached” is generally present where entry summaries or withdrawals are referenced. See,
e.g., 19 C.F.R. § 132.1(d)(1) (2003). If choice D had affirmatively stated that no such attachment
was necessary, it would have been an incorrect answer. However, it would have been a leap of
logic unacceptable in a multiple choice examination to assume in the absence of such a statement
that estimated duties were not required. Though the question is not a perfect reflection of the
regulation’s language, it is not inadequate. See Di Iorio, 14 CIT at 748-49.
Question 73
Defendant states that Question 73 was designed to test an examinee’s knowledge of 19
C.F.R. § 152.103(e)(1), which relates to the classification and appraisement of merchandise.24
24
In his letter dated May 10, 2005, petitioning judicial review, Mr. Harak pointed out that
Defendant incorrectly cited 19 C.F.R. § 152.103(d)(2)(e) as the relevant section in its answer key
and 19 C.F.R. § 152.103(e)(2), the interpretive note, in its response to his initial appeal. A.R. Ex.
A at [26]; A.R. Ex. B at [37]. These mistakes are acknowledged by Defendant, Def.’s Br. 24,
and not challenged by Plaintiff before the court.
Court No. 05-00365 Page 22
Specifically, the regulation details the procedure for apportionment of the value of an assist when
determining the value of imported merchandise. The question states:
73. Which ONE of the following is NOT a correct statement regarding the
apportionment method of the value of an assist to imported merchandise?
A. The importer may request to use any reasonable method of apportionment
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
B. If the assist will be used only in the production of merchandise exported to
the U.S., the total value of the assist may be apportioned over the first
shipment
C. If the assist will be used only in the production of merchandise exported to
the U.S., the total value of the assist may be apportioned over the number
of units produced up to the time of the first shipment
D. If the assist will be used only in the production of merchandise exported to
the U.S., the total value of the assist may be apportioned over the entire
anticipated production
E. If the assist is used in several countries, the method of apportionment of
the value of the assist will depend on documentation submitted by the
exporter.
The question requires the examinee to determine which of the five choices is not a correct
statement. A.R. Ex. A at [22]. Defendant maintains that the only acceptable answer is E. Def.’s
Br. 25. Plaintiff asserts without explanation that his answer, D, is acceptable. Pl.’s Br. 13-15.
Without discussing why answer choice E is wrong, Plaintiff argues that the other answers omit
pertinent language, creating ambiguity and rendering the entire question “unfairly confusing.”
Pl.’s Br. 13-15.
If a question is ambiguous due to faulty drafting, this Court has held that credit must be
granted or the question must be voided. Carrier, 20 CIT at 232 (holding that ambiguous official
answer could not be considered more correct than plaintiff’s response). However, it is not
necessary that a correct answer mirror the exact language of the statute it is based upon. See Di
Court No. 05-00365 Page 23
Iorio, 14 CIT at 750.
Referencing choice A, Plaintiff argues that the disparity between the regulation language,
“reasonable manner appropriate to the circumstances,” and the examination language,
“reasonable method,” is ambiguous.25 Pl.’s Br. 14. Plaintiff insists that the latter phrase is a
more permissive standard than the former. Pl.’s Br. 14. The court is not convinced by this
argument. Moreover, the last sentence of the interpretive note at 19 C.F.R. § 152.103(e)(2)
vitiates any charged ambiguity in choice A.26 Turning to choice B, Plaintiff contends that the
omitted phrase, “if the importer wishes to pay duty on the entire value at once,” is a condition
precedent or concurrent to any apportionment made over the first shipment.27 Pl.’s Br. 14-15.
The relevant words are more reasonably an explanatory phrase, clarifying the outcome of a
25
The relevant section provides:
The apportionment of the value of assists to imported merchandise will be made
in a reasonable manner appropriate to the circumstances and in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. The method of apportionment actually
accepted by Customs will depend upon the documentation submitted by the
importer. . . . In addition to these three methods, the importer may request some
other method of apportionment in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. . . .
19 C.F.R. § 152.103(e)(1) (emphasis added).
26
The relevant section provides:
Interpretative note. An importer provides the producer with a mold to be used in
the production of the imported merchandise and contracts to buy 10,000 units. By
the time of arrival of the first shipment of 1,000 units, the producer has already
produced 4,000 units. The importer may request Customs to apportion the value
of the mold over 1,000, 4,000, 10,000 units, or any other figure which is in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
19 C.F.R. § 152.103(e)(2).
27
The relevant section provides, “If the entire anticipated production using the assist is
for exportation to the United States, the total value may be apportioned over (i) the first
shipment, if the importer wishes to pay duty on the entire value at once . . . .” 19 C.F.R. §
152.103(e)(1).
Court No. 05-00365 Page 24
decision by an importer to request apportionment over the first shipment. The absence of this
language “in no way renders the excerpted material any less correct.” Di Iorio, 14 CIT at 750.
Choices C and D are taken verbatim from the regulations and as such are correct statements.28
Choice E substitutes a requirement that the exporter submit documentation where the regulation
requires such documentation to be submitted to Customs by the importer.29 Def.’s Br. 25. Thus,
choice E is not a correct statement regarding the apportionment method of the value of an assist.
For the foregoing reasons, the Assistant Secretary’s affirmance of Customs’ denial of
Plaintiff’s appeal for credit for his answer to question 73 was not arbitrary, capricious, or
otherwise contrary to law.
Question 74
Question 74 is designed to determine an examinee’s knowledge of the procedure set forth
in 19 C.F.R. § 171.1, which relates to petitions for the remission or mitigation of a fine, penalty,
or forfeiture incurred under any law administered by Customs. Def.’s Br. 25-26. Specifically,
the examinee must analyze a list of potential answer choices and determine which choice is an
incorrect statement regarding such a petition.30 The question asks:
28
The relevant section provides, “If the entire anticipated production using the assist is
for exportation to the United States, the total value may be apportioned over . . . (ii) the number
of units produced up to the time of the first shipment, or (iii) the entire anticipated production
. . . .” 19 C.F.R. § 152.103(e)(1).
29
The relevant section provides, “If the anticipated production is only partially for
exportation to the United States, or if the assist is used in several countries, the method of
apportionment will depend upon the documentation submitted by the importer.” 19 C.F.R.
§ 152.103(e)(1) (2003) (emphasis added).
30
The relevant regulation stipulates the information requirements of this type of petition:
(c) Form. . . . The petition must set forth the following:
Court No. 05-00365 Page 25
74. Which statement about a petition for relief of a seizure is INCORRECT?
A. The petition must include proof of a petitionable interest in the seized
property
B. The petition must include a description of the property involved in the
seizure
C. The petition must be filed within 60 days from the date of mailing of the
notice of seizure
D. The petition must include the date and place of the seizure
E. The petition must include the facts and circumstances relied upon by the
petitioner to justify remission or mitigation.
In support of its identification of choice C as the correct answer, Defendant juxtaposes the
regulatory provision that petitions must be filed within 30 days with the artificial construction
reflected in the question allowing 60 days. Def.’s Br. 26. Plaintiff argues without further
explanation that his answer, choice D, should also be considered a correct response. Pl.’s Br. 15.
However, since the language of choice D is taken verbatim from the statute, it is not an incorrect
statement and therefore is an incorrect answer. See 19 C.F.R. § 171.1(c)(2); Def.’s Br. 26.
Plaintiff next argues that the question is unfairly confusing. Pl.’s Br. 16. He bases his
argument entirely on an incongruity between the regulatory language “relief from seizures” and
the wording of the question, which references a relief “of” a seizure. 19 C.F.R. § 171.2(b); Pl.’s
Br. 15-16. Defendant responds that the important words are “petition for relief” and “seizure”
(1) A description of the property involved (if a seizure);
(2) The date and place of the violation or seizure;
(3) The facts and circumstances relied upon by the petitioner to justify remission
or mitigation; and
(4) If a seizure case, proof of a petitionable interest in the seized property.
19 C.F.R. § 171.1(c). The regulation also sets forth time restrictions for filing a petition:
“(b) When filed -- (1) Seizures. Petitions for relief from seizures must be filed within 30 days
from the date of mailing of the notice of seizure. . . .” 19 C.F.R. § 171.2(b) (emphasis added).
Court No. 05-00365 Page 26
and that “[r]egardless if the wording is ‘from’ or ‘of’’ a seizure, the question conveys enough
information [for the examinee] to be able to determine and apply the relevant regulations.”
Def.’s Br. 26.
The court finds Plaintiff’s arguments to be unpersuasive. All necessary information for
Plaintiff to correctly answer the question was available, and the question was not drafted
ambiguously. See O’Quinn, 24 CIT at 328, 100 F. Supp. 2d at 1140 (holding that where
examination question does not contain sufficient information to choose answer, it may be
deemed ambiguous and therefore faulty). Plaintiff’s linguistic quibble is not only irrelevant, but
is a transparent and labored justification for an incorrect answer.
Question 44
Question 44 was designed to evaluate an examinee’s understanding of 19 C.F.R.
§ 163.12.31 Def.’s Br. 22-23. That regulation sets forth the prerequisites for certification of a
31
That regulation stipulates in relevant part:
(3) Certification requirements. . . . In order to be certified, a recordkeeper
must meet the applicable requirements set forth in the Customs
Recordkeeping Compliance Handbook and must be able to demonstrate
that it:
(i) Understands the legal requirements for recordkeeping, including the
nature of the records required to be maintained and produced and the time
periods relating thereto;
(ii) Has in place procedures to explain the recordkeeping requirements to
those employees who are involved in the preparation, maintenance and
production of required records;
(iii) Has in place procedures regarding the preparation and maintenance of
required records, and the production of such records to Customs;
(iv) Has designated a dependable individual or individuals to be
responsible for recordkeeping compliance under the program and whose
duties include maintaining familiarity with the recordkeeping requirements
of Customs;
(v) Has a record maintenance procedure acceptable to Customs for original
records or has an alternative records maintenance procedure adopted in
Court No. 05-00365 Page 27
recordkeeper in the Recordkeeping Compliance Program. The examinee must choose which of
five answer choices is not required by the regulation. The question states:
44. To be a certified recordkeeper in the Recordkeeping Compliance Program,
the recordkeeper does NOT need to have:
A. A designated officer to be responsible for recordkeeping compliance
B. An understanding of the legal requirements for recordkeeping
C. Procedures in place regarding the preparation and maintenance of required
records and the production of such records to Customs
D. A record maintenance procedure acceptable to Customs for original
records
E. Procedures in place to explain the recordkeeping requirements to those
employees who are involved in the preparation, maintenance and
production of required records
Defendant cites the correct answer as A by eliminating the other four potential answers. Def.’s
Br. 23. Plaintiff’s answer, choice E, is a direct quote from 19 C.F.R. § 163.12(b)(3)(ii) and, as
such, is an explicit regulatory requirement and an incorrect answer. Therefore, Defendant was
reasonable in its conclusion that choice E was “clearly disposed of by [that] section.” Def.’s Br.
23. Plaintiff asserts that his answer is proper without any explanation and argues that the
question is unfairly confusing. Pl.’s Br. 11.
To answer correctly, the examinee must draw a sharp distinction between choice A’s
usage of “designated officer” and the regulation’s usage of “dependable individual.” According
to grammatical canons of construction, “when the legislature uses certain language in one part of
the statute and different language in another, the court assumes different meanings were
intended.” See Sosa v. Alvarez-Machain, 542 U.S. 692, 711 n.9 (2004) (quotations & citation
accordance with § 163.5(b); . . . .
19 C.F.R. § 163.12(b)(3).
Court No. 05-00365 Page 28
omitted). In a regulation found in the same Part 163 - Recordkeeping, the term “officer” is used
to signify an officer of a company. 19 C.F.R. § 163.7(c)(ii) (stating that Customs’ summons
must be served “by delivery to an officer, managing or general agent, or any other agent
authorized by appointment of law to receive service of process”). In accordance with the canons
of statutory construction, in the regulation at issue here, the term “individual” has a distinct
meaning and is more expansive than the term “officer.” See 19 C.F.R. § 163.12(b)(3)(iv).
Plaintiff offers an evaluation of the characteristics of company officers and their inherent
dependability in an attempt to show that this distinction is meaningless. Pl.’s Br. 10-11. The
court finds that though, as Plaintiff claims, “an officer could be a dependable individual and vice
versa,” the regulation uses specific language requiring only that a “dependable individual” be
designated and does not require that the individual be an “officer.” 19 C.F.R. § 163.12(b)(3)(iv);
Pl.’s Br 10-11. Therefore, choice A is reasonably cited as the correct answer.
Plaintiff’s next argument is essentially that there is more than one correct answer to the
question since choices B and D “omitted material [regulatory] language.” Pl.’s Br. 11.
Defendant cites the relevant regulatory sections and responds that the answer choices need not
mirror the regulation to be acceptable and that the omitted language is not “necessary or relevant
to determining the correct answer.”32 Def.’s Br. 23. Choice B does omit regulatory language, but
that language merely elaborates on the requirement that a recordkeeper understand the legal
32
The section relevant to Choice B requires that a recordkeeper “[u]nderstands the legal
requirements for recordkeeping, including the nature of the records required to be maintained and
produced and the time periods relating thereto.” 19 C.F.R. § 163.12(b)(3)(I) (2003). The section
relevant to Choice D requires that a recordkeeper “[h]as a record maintenance procedure
acceptable to Customs for original records or has an alternative records maintenance procedure
adopted in accordance with § 163.5(b).” 19 C.F.R § 163.12(b)(3)(v).
Court No. 05-00365 Page 29
requirements for recordkeeping and does not alter the prerequisite that a recordkeeper have such
an understanding prior to certification. See Di Iorio, 14 CIT at 750. Choice D, however, omits
an alternative to the requirement that a recordkeeper have a record maintenance procedure
acceptable to Customs for original records. The availability of this alternative records
maintenance procedure, subject to the provisions of 19 C.F.R. § 163.5(b),33 allows a recordkeeper
to elect to “maintain any records, other than records required to be maintained as original records
. . . in an alternative format, provided that the person gives advance written notification [to the
relevant authority].” 19 C.F.R. § 163.5(b)(i). For a recordkeeper to have a maintenance
procedure acceptable to Customs for original records is not the only way to meet the
requirements of the regulation; answer choice D suggests that it is. See Carrier, 20 CIT at 232
(striking down question that falsely suggested compulsion of marking requirements not present
in regulation). Thus, answer D could also be a correct answer to question 44.34
A similar issue arose in O’Quinn, which involved a Plaintiff who failed to pass the
customs broker’s license examination by a single correct answer. 24 CIT at 325, 100 F. Supp. 2d
33The relevant part of that regulation provides:
(b) Alternative method of storage -- (1) General. Any of the persons listed in §
163.2 may maintain any records, other than records required to be maintained as
original records under laws and regulations administered by other Federal
government agencies, in an alternative format, provided that the person gives
advance written notification of such alternative storage method to the [relevant
authority] and provided further that the [authority] does not instruct the person in
writing as provided herein that certain described records may not be maintained in
an alternative format. . . .
19 C.F.R. § 163.5(b).
34
The statutory language of 19 C.F.R. § 163.5 is not clear in its usage of the construction
“other than.” The statute could conceivably be understood as allowing records additional and
supplemental to those required to be maintained in original or as allowing alternative formats of
certain documents typically required to be maintained as original records.
Court No. 05-00365 Page 30
at 1137. The Plaintiff in that case initiated action in this Court, challenging the legal basis of the
Assistant Secretary’s decision to deny his application for a customs broker’s license. Id. at 325,
100 F. Supp. 2d at 1138. The Court determined that the first of two contested questions did not
contain sufficient information to choose an answer, and therefore remanded with instructions that
“‘[P]laintiff’s answer must be considered correct or the question must be voided.’” 35 Id. at 328,
100 F. Supp. 2d at 1140 (quoting Carrier, 20 CIT at 232) (brackets in original). The immediate
relevancy of O’Quinn to this action involves the second contested question in that case, which
was remanded to the Assistant Secretary “for reconsideration to determine the appropriate
disposition of a question that, although answered incorrectly by the test-taker in any event,
contains more than one correct answer.”36 Id. at 331-32, 100 F. Supp. 2d at 1143. The Court
concluded with instructions that if the disposition of the first contested question resulted in a
passing grade for Plaintiff, it was not necessary for the Assistant Secretary to address the second
contested question. Id. at 332, 100 F. Supp. 2d at 1143; see also Carrier, 20 CIT at 233.
Like the second contested question in O’Quinn, question 44 technically has two correct
35
With reference to that question, the court held that all cited lexicographic authorities
required a named point to follow the “FOB” term supplied in the question. The absence of such
a named point in the question was the basis of the court’s holding that “[g]iven the question’s
incorrect use of the delivery term ‘FOB,’ it was unreasonable for the Assistant Secretary to affirm
Customs’ denial of Plaintiff’s appeal of this question.” O’Quinn, 24 CIT at 328, 100 F. Supp. 2d
at 1140.
36
That question tested knowledge of record retention requirements and required the
examinee to identify which of five answer choices was not required by the relevant regulations.
O’Quinn, 24 CIT at 328, 100 F. Supp. 2d at 1140. The Court determined that at least two of the
answer choices were “technically correct” since “pursuant to § 111.23(a)(1) & (e)” certain
documents were not necessarily required to be retained by the broker at her place of business, i.e.
there was a valid alternative not contemplated by the question. Id. at 331, 100 F. Supp 2d at
1142.
Court No. 05-00365 Page 31
answers. See O’Quinn, 24 CIT at 332, 100 F. Supp. 2d at 1143. Unlike O’Quinn, to find that the
denial of Plaintiff’s application to be licensed as a customs broker was arbitrary, capricious, or
otherwise not in accordance with law, the court must find that the Assistant Secretary’s decision
to deny a minimum of four of Plaintiff’s contested questions was unreasonable. See id. at 325,
100F. Supp. 2d at 1137-38. That minimum threshold is not met by Plaintiff in this action.
The court also reviews the Assistant Secretary’s decision to deny Plaintiff’s application
for a customs broker’s license itself. 28 U.S.C. § 1581(g)(1); see Di Iorio, 14 CIT at 747.
Though the court must necessarily conduct some inquiry into the respective arguments and
responses, “the allowance of credit for answers other than the official answer . . . [is] subject to
limited judicial review.” Kenny, 401 F.3d at 1361; see Di Iorio, 14 CIT at 747. Because
allowance or denial of credit for a contested question is not dispositive to the court’s review of
the denial of a customs broker’s license, it is not necessary in this case to remand a question for
further determination.
2. The Adequacy of the Assistant Secretary’s Explanation
Plaintiff claims that the Secretary’s letter of January 31, 2005, informing Plaintiff of the
Secretary’s review and subsequent decision to uphold Customs’ denial of his appeal was a
“blanket ‘rubber-stamp’ affirmation” of the denial of his appeal, without providing adequate
explanation. Pl.’s Br. 7.; A.R. Ex. G. at [58]. Plaintiff relies solely on this Court’s decision in
Bell v. United States, 17 CIT 1220, 839 F. Supp. 874 (1993). In that case, the plaintiff passed
the customs license broker’s examination. Id. at 1221, 839 F. Supp. at 875. Customs thereafter
denied his application for a license based upon “derogatory information” disclosed in a
background investigation, but failed to set forth “pertinent facts” that were the basis of its
Court No. 05-00365 Page 32
determination. Id. at 1221-22, 839 F. Supp. at 876. Upon appeal, Customs cited 19 C.F.R.
§ 111.16(b)(3), (4), and (6)37 as the basis of its ultimate denial, but still did not discuss supporting
facts. Id. at 1222, 839 F. Supp. at 876-77. In subsequent levels of administrative review, neither
Customs nor the Secretary of the Treasury discussed the factual basis or reasoning underlying the
determination to deny Plaintiff’s license. Id. at 1226-27, 839 F. Supp. at 880. The Court
remanded the case with instructions to Customs to articulate a thorough explanation of its
reasons for granting or denying Bell’s license application. Id. at 1228, 839 F. Supp. at 881.
The court agrees with Defendant that reliance on Bell is simply inapposite. Def.’s Br. 8.
In the present case, the basis for Customs’ denial was not 19 C.F.R. § 111.16(b)(3), (4), or (6) as
in Bell, but rather 19 C.F.R. § 111.16(b)(2) and 19 C.F.R. § 111.11(a)(4)38. Plaintiff was denied
37
The regulation states:
(b) Grounds for denial. The grounds sufficient to justify denial of an application
for a license include, but need not be limited to:
(1) Any cause which would justify suspension or revocation of the license of a
broker under the provisions of § 111.53;
(2) The failure to meet any requirement set forth in § 111.11;
(3) A failure to establish the business integrity and good character of the applicant;
(4) Any willful misstatement of pertinent facts in the application for the license;
(5) Any conduct which would be deemed unfair in commercial transactions by
accepted standards; or
(6) A reputation imputing to the applicant criminal, dishonest, or unethical
conduct, or a record of that conduct.
19 C.F.R. § 111.16(b).
38
The section of that regulation dispositive to this case stipulates that in order to obtain a
broker’s license, an individual must
[h]ave established, by attaining a passing (75 percent or higher) grade on a written
examination taken within the 3-year period before submission of the application
referred to in § 111.12(a), that he has sufficient knowledge of customs and related
laws, regulations and procedures, bookkeeping, accounting, and all other
appropriate matters to render valuable service to importers and exporters.
19 C.F.R. § 111.11(a)(4).
Court No. 05-00365 Page 33
a customs broker’s license due to his failure to achieve a passing score on the requisite
examination, not due to a factual finding alleging unethical behavior as in Bell.
Furthermore, Plaintiff’s extension of Bell in his argument that he was not given sufficient
explanation for why his answers were incorrect is also without merit. Customs enclosed an
answer key with its initial letter of May 14, 2004, and dedicated nine pages to accurately, even if
not perfectly, respond to each individual contested question on appeal. A.R. Ex. A at [25-26];
A.R. Ex. B at [30-38]. It was not necessary for the Secretary’s letter of January 31, 2005, to
reiterate the reasoning articulated by Customs since it merely affirmed the determinations by
Customs without modification. A.R. Ex. G at [58]. The court finds that Customs provided an
adequate explanation of the reasoning underlying its decision to deny Plaintiff’s application for a
customs broker’s license.
CONCLUSION
The Assistant Secretary’s decision not to grant Harak the customs broker’s license was
not “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.” See 5
U.S.C. § 706(2)(A). For all the foregoing reasons, the court denies Plaintiff’s motion for
judgment on the administrative record, grants defendant’s cross-motion and dismisses this case.
Judgment will be entered accordingly.
July 18, 2006 /s/ Judith M. Barzilay
Dated:_________________________ _____________________________
New York, NY Judith M. Barzilay, Judge