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International Trade And Customs

Customs Power of Attorney

Drafting customs powers of attorney manually requires careful attention to CBP regulatory requirements, precise language for scope of authority, and proper execution formalities. Trade attorneys and compliance professionals spend valuable time ensuring each document meets federal standards while customizing terms for specific broker relationships and business needs.

Automation ROI

Time savings at a glance

Manual workflow2.5 hoursAverage time your team spends by hand
With CaseMark8 minutesDelivery time with CaseMark automation
EfficiencySave 11.3x time with CaseMark

The Problem

Customs Powers of Attorney require precise regulatory compliance with 19 CFR Part 141 while balancing broker authority against principal liability exposure. Manual drafting demands extensive knowledge of CBP requirements, careful enumeration of powers, and meticulous attention to execution formalities, consuming hours of attorney time for what should be a straightforward authorization document.

The CaseMark Solution

CaseMark automates the entire drafting process by generating comprehensive, CBP-compliant Customs Powers of Attorney tailored to your client's specific needs. Simply provide principal and broker information, specify scope preferences, and receive a complete, execution-ready document that satisfies all regulatory requirements and protects both parties' interests.

Key benefits

How CaseMark automations transform your workflow

Generate CBP-compliant powers of attorney in under 10 minutes

Ensure consistent scope of authority language across all broker relationships

Reduce drafting time by 90% compared to manual document preparation

Customize authorized actions while maintaining regulatory compliance

Eliminate formatting errors and missing execution requirements

What you'll receive

Grant of Authority
Scope of Authority
Authorized Actions
Execution and Signature Block

Document requirements

Required

  • Principal Entity Information
  • Customs Broker Information

Optional

  • Prior Powers of Attorney
  • Import/Export Documentation
  • Corporate Resolution or Authorization
  • CBP Correspondence

Perfect for

International trade attorneys representing importers and exporters
In-house counsel for companies engaged in cross-border commerce
Customs brokers requiring properly executed POAs from clients
Import/export compliance managers at manufacturing and distribution companies
Trade law practitioners specializing in customs and CBP matters
Corporate legal departments handling international supply chain documentation

Also useful for

This workflow is applicable across multiple practice areas and use cases

Corporate General80% relevant

Corporate legal departments managing international supply chains need compliant customs POAs to authorize brokers for import/export operations across multiple jurisdictions.

In-house counsel at corporations engaged in cross-border commerce regularly execute customs powers of attorney as part of routine international business operations and supply chain management.

Corporate governance matters require proper authorization documentation when companies delegate customs clearance authority to third-party brokers, ensuring compliance with corporate authorization requirements.

Executing customs POAs involves corporate authorization and governance considerations, including board resolutions and proper signatory authority for binding the company in customs matters.

M&A transactions involving companies with international operations require review and updating of customs broker authorizations to ensure continuity of import/export operations post-closing.

Due diligence and post-merger integration for companies engaged in international trade includes reviewing and potentially re-executing customs POAs to reflect new corporate structures and ownership.

Frequently asked questions

Q

What information do I need to draft a Customs Power of Attorney?

A

You need the principal's complete legal name, entity type, EIN/SSN, and business address, plus the customs broker's legal name, CBP license number, and business address. Optional information includes details about typical merchandise, trade programs, and any special compliance requirements. CaseMark will guide you through providing scope preferences and any limitations on the broker's authority.

Q

Does the Power of Attorney comply with CBP regulations?

A

Yes, CaseMark generates documents fully compliant with 19 CFR Part 141, Subpart B, which governs customs powers of attorney. The output includes all required elements: proper party identification, comprehensive scope of authority, execution by authorized signatories, and appropriate certifications. The document is immediately suitable for filing with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Q

Can I create both limited and unlimited powers of attorney?

A

Absolutely. CaseMark allows you to specify whether you need a limited POA for specific transactions, time periods, or merchandise types, or an unlimited continuing POA for all customs business. You can customize the scope of authority, add special conditions, restrict certain powers like protest filing, and include any limitations appropriate for your client's risk tolerance and business relationship with the broker.

Q

How does CaseMark handle execution requirements and signature authority?

A

CaseMark generates proper execution sections with signature blocks appropriate for the principal's entity type (corporation, LLC, partnership, or sole proprietorship). The document includes certification language required by CBP and guidance on signatory authority requirements. You can specify whether notarization or corporate seals are needed, and the output includes all necessary attestation language to ensure the document is legally binding and enforceable.

Q

What happens if I need to revoke or modify the Power of Attorney later?

A

The generated document includes comprehensive revocation procedures compliant with 19 CFR 141.46, specifying that written notice must be provided to both the broker and CBP. It addresses the treatment of pending transactions, preserves the validity of actions taken before revocation, and clarifies ongoing obligations. For modifications, you can generate a new POA with updated terms or create an amendment document as needed.