Customs
Customs Broker
A licensed specialist who files customs entries and arranges clearance on behalf of importers and exporters. Freight forwarders often provide customs brokerage as part of their service.
In depth
Customs brokers are licensed intermediaries who prepare entries, calculate duties, coordinate inspections, and liaise with border agencies. Forwarders may offer brokerage in-house or partner with specialists. Using a broker does not relieve the importer of legal responsibility for accuracy.
Key points
- Must be licensed in the jurisdiction where import occurs
- Provides power of attorney to act on importer’s behalf
- Keeps records for audit periods defined by local law
- Can advise on FTAs, duty drawbacks, and bonded warehousing