What You Need To Know About Custom Brokers
What in the world is a custom broker; if you are like me you are asking yourself this same question right now. Don’t worry about internet searching for the answer I already took the liberty of doing that. Thanks to the Encyclopedias on Wikipedia.com defines customs brokering or customs brokerage is a profession that involves the "clearing" of goods through customs barriers for importers and exporters (usually businesses). So, now that we know what a custom broker is we need to answer the question, why do you need one?
A customs broker will help get your businesses shipments cleared at the borders if you are shipping internationally. The brokers are up to date on knowledge of the current laws, regulations, fees, and taxes for shipping products. The way these brokers work is they pull together all the documentation needed for shipping across borders. Paperwork such as information on country of origin and destinations, suppliers, tariff classifications, routing and intended use of the products. All of this information is vital for getting things shipped and across the borders in a timely manner with no delays.
I know all that is probably quite confusing for you because it was for me as well, which is why I have broken it down for you in hopes of making things a bit easier for you.
- Custom brokers help your shipments meet state requirements when it comes to imports and exports.
- They prepare and submit all information, payments, and documents to customs authorities on your behalf.
- Make sure your commercial documents are compliant with regulations before submission.
- Make sure your goods are correctly classified so taxes and duties can be determined properly.
- Help you to spread your business to new markets if you are interested in doing so.
Shipping products over borders can be tricky if you are not up to date on procedures and policies and the "I didn’t know" phrase won’t help you avoid punishment if you should be shipping product wrong so it is better to pay a professional custom broker and cover all your bases so to speak to protect yourself and ensure there are no delays when it comes to getting your product into customers’ hands.
Why you need a customs broker:
- There expert knowledge in regulatory requirements.
- Ability to facilitate the customs clearance process
- Verification of declarations
- Completion of proper paperwork
- Identification of goods properly
- Clearance of shipments with formal entry easy.
