Understanding When You Need A Customs Broker

International trade is a tricky process. When you import or export goods, you need to be knowledgeable on various laws, regulations and requirements. Often, customs brokers help companies who are importing and exporting goods navigate global shipments with ease. A number of steps are required for successful customs clearance, and they can get complex. There are several ways businesses of any size can benefit by investing in a customs broker.

Hiring a Customs Broker

If a business is choosing to use a customs broker, then most of the time you will need to provide the broker with a customs or commercial invoice and Bill of Lading, at the least, so that they can create your submission for customs. If there are any added permits or codes required, depending on your goods, then you will also need to provide those.

Clear communication with your customs broker is important so that they can understand your expectations, and can inform you of what they need from you. Your broker will also need the Power of Attorney (POA) document, as they need to be able to transact with customs on your behalf. 

Customs brokers prepare and submit an electronic entry to customs, such as Canada Border Services Agency or the Customs and Border Protection in the US. The entry contains information on the HS Code for each of the goods, as well as any added licenses, codes, permits or certificates for your goods.

When you import or export, it is important that your BOL and customs invoice is completed correctly. Zipments generates your customs invoices or BOL within minutes. No need to spend hours researching the correct classification. Zipments AI Technology detects the tariff or HS Code for you so that you can avoid wrong classification, and focus on growing your business. 

Quickly set up your invoices with Zipments, and enjoy better visibility of your import/export transactions. 

✔️Easy To Fill Out Template

✔️Transmit to Carrier or Broker With Ease

✔️Accurate HS Codes

✔️Seamless Communication and Processing

When You Should Hire A Customs Broker

Customs brokers help to simplify the process by providing a lot of benefits for importers such as keeping up to date on regulations, compiling paperwork, submitting release requests and transacting on behalf of their client. Hiring a customs broker is the best way of ensuring your shipments are handled properly, and you avoid making any mistakes that could cost you more in the long run. There are a few situations in which you may consider a customs broker as the right choice for you.

If You’re Importing From Another Continent

Whether are importing from China, or Europe; there is a lot to be gained by hiring a customs broker. There are a lot of different regulations and document standards which need to be followed when importing from another continent, and these regulations also change often, which can make importing or exporting challenging. Hiring a customs broker ensures that you stay up to date on the latest regulation, so that you avoid any delays or penalties at customs. 

 If You Want To Avoid Costly Errors

Customs brokers are trained to understand the necessary paperwork, regulations and laws that are relevant to importing or exporting products. They are able to avoid costly mistakes and fees, by ensuring all paperwork is submitted correctly, products are classified properly, and ensure all the information is up to date and accurate.  Customs can seize shipments, delay shipment release, or issue hefty fines for errors on your documentation or any classification errors, so it is best to prepare ahead of time to avoid mistakes.

If You Need Guidance

Hiring a qualified customs broker can ensure that you have somebody guiding you through the entire customs clearance process, from gathering paperwork to document submission and customs release. Customs brokers can inform you on the laws relevant to your goods, and act as a liaison between you and the government. It is a very time consuming process to create freight entries, so to have somebody handle matters for you can simplify the process.

If You’re New To The Business

If you are starting out in the import or export industry, then a customs broker would be a major asset to your entire process. Customs brokers can help manage the customs clearance process, so you can focus on expanding your market, finding suppliers, and choosing the right transportation methods. Regulations take time to understand and research, so having somebody who is trained in this area is an asset to a business of any size, and especially new businesses.

If You’re Importing To Canada Or The U.S. 

Some countries have very strict customs regulations and staying in compliance can be a difficult task. According to the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency), in order to pay duties on imported goods at customs, one must have a customs broker license. The license can be obtained, but it is costly with an annual fee of several hundred dollars, and takes time; because you would need to be registered, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and have your corporation registered. Rather than going through an extensive application process, it is more efficient in most instances to hire a certified customs broker to handle the customs aspects for you.

If You Need Specialized Expertise

Customs regulations are complex and always changing, but they also vary between countries. It is not just one type of regulation, rather customs regulations depend on the type of goods being shipped, origin and destination. Hiring a customs broker who specializes in your type of product is also a highly beneficial step in your process, because they know what licenses, certificates, permits or documents your goods will need. They can also offer specialized services in navigating the customs clearance process for your goods, so that you can move your shipment quicker.

If you're going to import products, you should consider hiring a customs broker. It will ensure that your goods are handled properly and that taxes are paid accordingly. However, there are many brokers out there, and sometimes accessing them can be confusing. Zipments has created an up to date Customs Broker Directory, which contains all the necessary contact information for all customs brokers across Canada and over 25 US brokers.

With Zipments you have access to information such as:

✔️Broker Website
✔️Address
✔️Phone/Email/Fax number
✔️Customs Brokers Agent Used at Each Port
✔️After Hours contact information

Are you waiting on customs clearance and want to contact a local customs broker? The Zipments Customs Broker Directory is here for you. 

Using the Zipments broker directory allows you to access contact information of customs brokers in your area who will help you with customs clearance and importation.

Shipping internationally is never easy, but when you have the right resources and partners, you can do more. With the latest technology in place, getting goods across borders has become more seamless than ever. Whether it is your customs invoices, BOL, or PARS/PAPS; having the right technology can save you time and money. Next time you are importing or exporting, consider working with the right partners and the right platform.