Every company engaged in foreign trade eventually faces customs clearance. Preparing the paperwork, classifying goods correctly, substantiating the customs value — each of these requires its own knowledge and experience. A customs broker is the professional who takes that work on.
What does a customs broker do?
The broker deals with the customs authorities on your behalf and handles the technical side of the process in full:
- checks the shipment documents and identifies what is missing in advance
- determines the commodity code under the goods nomenclature
- prepares and submits the customs declaration
- calculates customs payments and accompanies the clearance
- arranges certificates and permits where these are required
When is a broker worth engaging?
You may file the declaration yourself, but in practice working with a broker pays off in these cases:
- you are importing or exporting for the first time
- the classification of the goods could be disputed
- the shipment requires certification or a special permit
- your company has no in-house customs specialist
- timely release of the cargo is critical to your supply chain
Why working with a broker saves time
Every delay at the customs post means storage costs and a shift in the whole supply chain. An incorrectly completed declaration calls for amendment, additional inspection and sometimes expert examination. An experienced broker heads off such situations in advance, because the discrepancy in the documents is spotted before the cargo reaches the border.
What to look for when choosing a broker
- how long they have operated and the range of industries they have worked with
- genuine experience with your specific product group
- support covering documents and logistics, not only the declaration
- a contact point at every stage of the process
How we work
Our company has operated as a customs broker since 2018. The work begins with an analysis of your enquiry and documents, continues with the declaration and clearance, and ends with delivery of the cargo to the address you specify. Tell us the type of cargo and the route, and we will say in advance which documents will be needed and how long the process will take.
Still have a question?
Get in touch to discuss your specific customs clearance situation — our team will explain it within the framework of the law.
