Customs Broker
A customs broker offers the following services:
- Work with the local Customs officials to obtain, prepare, and present or transmit the necessary documents or data.
- Shipping advice.
- Monitor the status of shipments.
- Keep abreast of new developments and regulations and advising of their effect on imported goods.
- Obtaining the release of imported goods in order to take possession of the shipment and save storage costs.
- Maintaining records.
- Responding to information requests by the local Customs office or concerns after payment is made.
One of the main reasons for hiring a customs broker is to free up the exporter’s time to take care of other business matters. Also, a customs broker’s expertise in bringing goods across the border can prevent errors, thereby saving the importer time and money. The more complicated the shipment, the better it is to retain the services of a customs broker. For example, there could be mistakes in the documentation if a wide variety of goods falling under different classifications are sent in a single shipment. Or, the goods may be subject to special import controls.
Customs brokers are not federal government employees. When choosing a customs broker, get a number of quotes from different companies. Decide which services you require and find out exactly which charges apply to each specific service. As the importer, you are liable for all duties owing until either you or your broker pays them. This applies regardless of whether or not you paid the amount to your broker. Therefore, make sure the broker you select is reliable and financially reputable. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for references -- that is, companies they have done work for. Then call these companies and ask them if they were satisfied with the broker’s services.
Many Canadian customs brokers have offices in the US and some have contacts in other countries. You may also arrange for a foreign broker to help you.
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