“What to Consider When Choosing a Customs Broker – A Simple Guide
What is a customs broker
Customs Brokers provide individuals and organizations with shipping and delivery services across geographic borders.
The public is often unaware of the sheer scale of goods and raw materials that cross these international borders on a daily basis, and what is involved in clearing these goods through customs in different countries.
When looking for a licensed customs broker, there are some questions that must be answered. Here are a few.
fundamental issue
How long has the broker or agency been in business?
Can they clearly outline the risks involved in importing and exporting goods? Learn how they can help mitigate and overcome these risks
What kind of support can they provide for your type of business?
Find out what information they need from you to assess your business needs.
How good is their customer service? There should be a single point of contact between you and your brokerage. You should be able to reach real people at the agency at any time of the day.
legal aspects
Is the broker or agency fully licensed? All customs brokers must have a license to operate as a single person.
Can an agency or broker clarify the legal aspects of customs clearance? You need to properly understand all the laws your shipments must comply with.
Do they keep you informed of changes in laws or regulations affecting the import and export of goods, especially those related to your business area?
Can they state the tax you need to pay?
Are they members of the Customs Association? Brokers are often required to join specific associations or entities in order to provide services in specific ports.
Other basic questions
Ask them to provide some references about their previous clients. Contact these customers directly to find out how good the customs brokerage service is.
Check to see if the agency specializes in any particular business area. Do they specialize in the same areas as your business?
Do they provide you with regular updates on the customs clearance process? You need to know where you stand in order to plan accordingly.
Will the agency work with you to develop an action plan for customs clearance? This is especially important if you plan to import and/or export goods on a regular basis.
Why work with a customs broker?
Let’s go back to the misconception that the choice is made based on the location and/or number of offices of the customs broker. We need to dispel the myth that they need to have an office at every airport, marine terminal or border point where your cargo will enter Canada or the US. A few years ago, this was an important factor because customs clearance required a physical presence everywhere.
Today, nearly all commercial customs clearance in the United States and Canada is done electronically. This means customs brokers
Obtain trade data (usually in the form of customs or commercial invoices and other supporting documents),
transfer the information to the appropriate customs agency (and other government agencies, depending on the type of shipment), and
Request cargo clearance
Once the goods are released, they also “”confirm”” entry electronically by sending a final declaration to customs or customs entry.
Although the point of entry into the country must be properly declared to customs, the act of transferring data can take place from any location. Now, when you’re looking for a reliable customs broker, you can broaden your horizons and explore the best options.”
