Published by: Akash Gupta, Sunshine Cargo Services
Publication Date & Location: 10th October, 2026; Kolkata, India
Last Updated: 10th October, 2026

Overview: What Is the Customs Broker F-Card Examination Syllabus?

The Customs Broker F-Card examination syllabus is prescribed under Regulation 6(7) of the Customs Brokers Licensing Regulations (CBLR), 2018, as amended. It covers Customs documentation, import and export procedures, tariff classification, valuation, duty assessment, allied laws, export promotion schemes, electronic Customs systems and other subjects relevant to international trade.

The National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics (NACIN) conducts the Customs Brokers Licensing Examination under the applicable regulatory framework. The official notice for the 2027 examination confirms that the written examination syllabus will follow Regulation 6(7) of CBLR, 2018.

For candidates preparing for the Customs Broker F-Card Examination 2027, understanding every topic listed in this regulation is essential.

This guide explains all 18 syllabus areas, their practical relevance and how candidates can organise their preparation using official government resources.

What Are the Topics Covered in Regulation 6(7) of CBLR 2018?

Regulation 6(7) identifies 18 broad areas from which examination questions may be drawn. These cover the documentation, legal requirements and operational procedures involved in clearing imported and exported goods through Customs.

The regulation uses the phrase “may include questions”, meaning that the listed subjects define the syllabus areas without specifying a fixed number of questions or a marks distribution for each topic.

The following sections explain each area.

1. Preparation of Bills of Entry, Bills of Export and Shipping Bills

Candidates must understand how to prepare different types of Bills of Entry, Bills of Export, Shipping Bills and other Customs clearance documents.

Study the purpose of these documents, the information they contain, their role in import and export clearance, and the procedures governing their submission.

2. Arrival Entry and Clearance of Vessels

This topic covers the entry and clearance of vessels arriving at Customs stations.

Candidates should understand the relevant documentation, reporting requirements and Customs procedures associated with the arrival and clearance of vessels.

3. Tariff Classification and Rates of Customs Duty

Tariff classification determines the appropriate classification of imported and exported goods under the applicable tariff system.

Preparation should cover the principles of classification, the structure of the Customs tariff, applicable rates of duty and the importance of identifying goods correctly.

Candidates should consult the current Customs Tariff and relevant official notifications when studying this subject.

4. Determination of Value of Imported and Export Goods

Customs valuation is an important part of import and export compliance.

Candidates should study the rules governing the determination of the value of imported and exported goods, the relevant valuation principles and how Customs value affects duty calculation.

5. Conversion of Currency

This topic concerns currency conversion in Customs transactions.

Candidates should understand the applicable provisions for converting foreign currency values into the currency used for Customs assessment, including the role of officially notified exchange rates.

6. Documents Required for Customs Clearance

Candidates must understand the nature and purpose of documents accompanying Bills of Entry, Shipping Bills and other clearance documents.

Preparation should cover the information required for different transactions, supporting documentation and the role of accurate documentation in Customs clearance.

7. Assessment, Payment and Refund of Customs Duty

This section covers the procedures for assessing Customs duty, paying the applicable duty and obtaining refunds of duty paid where permitted.

Candidates should understand the assessment process, duty calculation, payment procedures and relevant legal requirements governing refunds.

8. Examination of Goods at Customs Stations

Candidates should study the procedures governing the examination of goods at Customs stations.

This includes understanding why goods may be examined, how examination fits into the clearance process and the importance of verifying that the goods correspond with the declarations and supporting documents.

9. Prohibitions on Import and Export

Not every product can be freely imported into or exported from India.

Candidates should understand the legal framework governing prohibited and restricted goods, applicable conditions and the role of relevant government permissions and authorisations.

Preparation should include the applicable Customs Act provisions and current restrictions notified by the competent authorities.

10. Bonding Procedures and Clearance from Bond

This topic covers the procedures for placing goods under bond and subsequently clearing them from bond.

Candidates should understand the purpose of bonded storage, the relevant documentation, applicable conditions and the procedures for removing goods in accordance with Customs requirements.

11. Re-importation and Conditions for Free Re-entry

Candidates must understand the provisions governing goods that are exported and subsequently brought back into India.

Study the applicable conditions for re-importation, the circumstances in which free re-entry may be permitted and the relevant documentation and compliance requirements.

12. Duty Drawback, Export Promotion Schemes and Special Economic Zones

This section covers duty drawback and export promotion schemes, including the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) scheme.

Candidates should understand the purpose of duty drawback, the relevant export incentives, applicable conditions and the Customs procedures governing eligible transactions.

Current government notifications and scheme-specific rules should be used to verify the applicable requirements.

13. Offences Under the Customs Act

Candidates should study offences under the Customs Act, 1962, particularly those relevant to the import, export and clearance of goods.

Focus on the statutory provisions governing violations, prohibited transactions, misdeclarations and other contraventions relevant to Customs operations.

14. Allied Acts Relevant to EXIM Trade

Regulation 6(7)(n) identifies several allied laws relevant to export-import (EXIM) trade and Customs clearance.

These include:

  • Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (12 of
    2017)
  • Section 5 of the Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (13 of 2017)
  • Indian Explosives Act, 1884 (4 of 1884)
  • Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914 (2 of
    1914)
  • Dangerous Drugs Act, 1930 (2 of 1930)
  • Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (23 of
    1940)
  • Central Excise Act, 1944 (1 of 1944)
  • Copyright Act, 1957 (14 of 1957)
  • Trade and Merchandise Marks Act, 1958 (43 of 1958)
  • Arms Act, 1959 (54 of 1959)
  • Patents Act, 1970 (39 of 1970)
  • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (61 of 1985)
  • Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986)
  • Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 (22 of 1992)
  • Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999)
  • Designs Act, 2000 (16 of 2000)
  • Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (No. 34 of 2006)

The regulation also covers other laws in force that apply to EXIM trade, together with the relevant rules and regulations, insofar as they relate to Customs clearance.

Preparation tip: Focus on understanding how these laws affect the clearance of goods rather than studying their provisions without considering their practical application.

15. Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

Candidates should study the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as expressly included in Regulation 6(7).

Understand the legal framework concerning corruption and its relevance to the proper conduct of Customs-related work.

16. Appeals and Revision Applications Under the Customs Act

This topic covers the procedures for filing appeals and revision applications under the Customs Act.

Candidates should understand the purpose of appellate remedies, the applicable statutory framework and the distinction between the relevant appeal and revision procedures.

Use the current statutory provisions to verify the applicable authorities and procedures.

17. Electronic Filing Through ICEGATE and ICES

Candidates must understand the electronic filing of Bills of Entry and Shipping Bills through the systems identified in Regulation 6(7).

The regulation specifically refers to:

  • ICEGATE: Indian Customs and Central Excise Electronic Commerce/Electronic Data Interchange Gateway.
  • ICES: Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange System.

Study the purpose of these systems and their role in electronic Customs documentation and clearance.

18. Customs Rules, Regulations and Notifications

Candidates must also understand the rules, regulations and notifications issued under the Customs Act and other relevant allied Acts.

This is a broad subject that supports the other syllabus areas. Candidates should study the applicable legal provisions alongside the procedures they govern and check official notifications for subsequent amendments.

Freight Forwarder and customs clearing agent in Kolkata- Sunshine Cargo Services, Kolkata

What Is the Exam Pattern for the Customs Broker F-Card Examination?

The examination pattern must be checked against the official notice for the relevant examination year.

NACIN’s official press release for the 2026 written examination specified the following pattern:

Examination Detail2026 Pattern
Examination modeComputer-based examination
Question typeMultiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Number of questions150
Duration2 hours 30 minutes
Correct answer+3 marks
Incorrect answer−1 mark
Maximum marks450
Qualifying marks270 (60%)
Answer languageHindi or English

These details are confirmed in NACIN’s official 2026 examination press release.

Important: These are the 2026 examination details, not a confirmed pattern for the 2027 examination. Candidates appearing in 2027 should consult the relevant NACIN examination guidelines for any updated instructions.

How Should You Prepare for the Customs Broker F-Card Examination?

An effective preparation plan should cover every syllabus area while prioritising a clear understanding of Customs procedures and applicable laws.

Consider the following approach:

  1. Read Regulation 6(7): Use the regulation as your master checklist to ensure that all 18 syllabus areas are covered.
  2. Study the Customs Act, 1962: Focus on the provisions relevant to import, export, assessment, clearance and offences.
  3. Understand documentation: Practise identifying the purpose and requirements of Bills of Entry, Shipping Bills and related documents.
  4. Study classification and valuation: Understand the applicable principles and their role in duty assessment.
  5. Review allied laws: Focus on the legal requirements that affect the clearance of goods.
  6. Learn electronic Customs procedures: Understand the purpose and functions of ICEGATE and ICES.
  7. Check current notifications: Use official government sources to verify amendments, duty rates and applicable procedures.
  8. Practise with official materials: Check NACIN’s examination section for candidate guidelines and practice-test resources when available.

Candidates should also prepare for the oral examination. Regulation 6 requires applicants to clear both the written examination and the corresponding oral examination.

Where Can You Find the Official Customs Broker Examination Syllabus?

The safest approach is to refer to the regulations and examination announcements published by the relevant government authorities.

Always check the latest applicable regulations and amendments rather than relying exclusively on older study materials.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Customs Broker F-Card Examination Syllabus

1. What is the syllabus for the Customs Broker F-Card examination?

The syllabus is prescribed under Regulation 6(7) of CBLR, 2018, as amended. It includes Customs documentation, vessel clearance, tariff classification, valuation, currency conversion, duty assessment, import-export restrictions, allied laws, ICEGATE, ICES and other specified subjects.

2. How many topics are covered under Regulation 6(7)?

Regulation 6(7) lists 18 syllabus areas, identified by clauses (a) to (r).

3. Is the Customs Broker examination syllabus the same every year?

The examination notices for recent years refer to Regulation 6(7) of CBLR, 2018, as amended. Candidates should check the latest examination notice and applicable regulations for their examination year.

4. What is the qualifying mark for the Customs Broker written examination?

The official 2026 examination notice specified 270 out of 450 marks, equivalent to 60%. Candidates should verify the qualifying criteria in the notice applicable to their examination year.

5. Is there an oral examination after the written test?

Yes. Regulation 6 requires candidates to clear both the written examination and the corresponding oral examination. Candidates who qualify in writing are called for the oral examination.

6. Where can I download official Customs Broker examination updates?

Visit the NACIN Customs Brokers Examination page for official notices, candidate guidelines and examination-related announcements.

Conclusion

The Customs Broker F-Card Examination syllabus under Regulation 6(7) of CBLR, 2018 covers the legal and operational knowledge required for Customs clearance and international trade.

Candidates should prepare all 18 syllabus areas, including Customs documentation, tariff classification, valuation, duty assessment, allied laws, export promotion schemes, appeals and electronic filing through ICEGATE and ICES.

For the most reliable preparation, use Regulation 6(7) as your syllabus checklist, study the applicable laws and amendments, and follow NACIN’s official examination announcements for the relevant year.

Remember: The regulation defines the subjects from which questions may be drawn, but it does not prescribe a fixed topic-wise marks distribution. Avoid assuming that any particular topic carries a guaranteed number of questions unless an official examination document explicitly states so.

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