Customs clearance can be a headache for someone who has too much on their table. The good news is there are customs brokers who help exporters and importers clear the customs.
Customs brokers can be hired – they are usually affiliated with freight forwarders, exporters, importers, businesses, customs brokerage firms, and shipping lines.
Many people get confused between custom brokers and freight forwarders.
Before we dive into the details of what a custom broker does, let’s find out the difference between custom brokers and freight forwarders.
Customs Brokers Vs. Freight Forwarders: The Difference
Freight forwarders work as intermediaries between shipping companies and businesses. On the other hand, a customs broker is an intermediary between an importer/exporter and customs authority.
The custom broker does not provide any other service than helping an exporter or the importer clearing customs.
Customs broker only focuses on imports (in most cases). Freight forwarders deal with exporters and importers on a global level.
Whatever documentation is required for importing or exporting, the customs broker takes care of it.
Please note that customs clearance involves a lot of documentation, paperwork verification, and other checks. With a customs broker by your side, the imports will get cleared sooner.
The Responsibilities of a Custom Broker
Customs brokers are responsible for preparing the customs documentation. They ensure that the shipments abide by all the applicable laws.
The custom broker tracks/determines duties and all the taxes that are payable. They also sign the required documents under the power of an attorney.
The customs broker is also responsible for representing clients in a meeting with the customs officials.
A typical day in a customs broker’s life looks like this:
- They arrange or pay duties and taxes on shipments.
- The custom broker calculates tariff and duty payments that are owed on shipments.
- They also compile and request the necessary documentation such as certificates of origin, customs invoices, and cargo-control documentation.
- The custom broker prepares all the export and import documentation as per the customs laws, regulations, and procedures.
- Tracing or monitoring the location of the imported goods.
- Contracting with freight forwarders for services to other destinations.
Concluding Thoughts
If you want to get in touch with a customs broker, consider Clearit USA customs brokerage.
They have many years of experience in this industry. Moreover, Clearit USA is a reliable customs brokerage company. They will take care of everything from gathering documentation to representing the clients in a meeting with the customs officials.
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