For the majority of organisations that take part in the cross-border trade, their supply chain depends on transporting goods and services across the shared border. But, not all organisations have the human and financial resources to keep up with changes in regulations or technology updates. This is the reason companies often work with a customs broker.
Customs brokers ensure the smooth movement of shipments across the border and arrival at their destination. They will work in the best interest of their client to help them ensure that Customs and Participating Government Agencies (PGA) regulations are met. If you are an importer, a Clearit customs broker will make sure you meet all of the requirements of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
What Customs Brokers Do
Customs brokers prepare the initial release package for your shipment and submit this to Customs electronically. They confirm the entry of goods and work with you and Customs to make sure all taxes, duties, and government fees are calculated and paid correctly. They can also give you advice on different aspects of importing including determining the costs of goods, free-trade agreements, regulatory compliance, and more. You can expect them to arrange preliminary clearance of the shipment pending full clearance when your shipment arrives at the port of entry. By working with a customs broker, you put experts with years of knowledge and experience to work for you. Their services will minimise the risk of you being penalized for regulations you don’t know about.
Benefits of their Customs Broker Services
By hiring the services of a customs broker, you get the following benefits:
- Manage the risk. An experienced customs broker will make sure you comply with different Customs regulations. They can assist you with complex issues and offer feedback on reducing the duties and taxes you must pay.
- Avoid the need to bring a customs specialist to your team. If you work with a customs broker, you don’t have to hire a customs specialist to be part of your workforce. As a result, you will be able to concentrate on other aspects of your business. And as customs brokers follow the shipment from start to finish, you don’t need to have different staff members assigned on various aspects of the import process.
- Reduce fixed costs. Because customs brokers have different programs and technology to help them perform their daily tasks or communicate with customs, you don’t have to invest in different hardware and software. Also, you don’t deal with the maintenance costs and the overhead associated with having an in-house Customs expert.