When should I hire a customs broker?
If an importer is knowledgeable and well-versed in the complexities of imports, they can handle it themselves. However, if an importer isn't an expert in CBP policies, procedures, and the specific entry requirements of their goods, they should consider working with a customs broker to ensure their goods arrive on time.
Knowing whether or not a customs broker is needed is one of the many things that leaves first-time importers scratching their heads. According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), you will need a customs broker if the goods you are importing are regulated by another government agency.
Although you're not required by law to use the services of a customs broker, many companies prefer to work with one. This is because of the convenience in entrusting all the paperwork and communication with relevant agencies to an expert.
There is no legal requirement for you to hire a Customs Broker to clear your goods. However, many importers opt to do so for the convenience. Customs Brokers are licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to conduct CBP business on behalf of importers.
When Should I Use a Customs Broker? If you need help navigating the complex rules and regulations of customs clearance, then a customs broker is the specialist you need. Customs brokers are licensed experts who use their knowledge and networks to smooth the way to ensure your cargo is cleared for entry.
If no arrangements were made to forward the goods to your door, you will need to either clear them through CBP yourself, in which case you will pay duty directly to CBP at the port where your goods arrived. Alternatively, you will need to arrange for a broker to clear your goods.
What is a Customs broker? Customs brokers are private individuals, partnerships, associations or corporations licensed, regulated and empowered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to assist importers and exporters in meeting Federal requirements governing imports and exports.
- In which industries do they specialize?
- What is the average tenure of their clients?
- How long have they been in business?
Broker-inclusive FedEx services
When you use a broker-inclusive service for international shipments with a declared customs value of USD $500,000 or less, FedEx defaults as the designated broker and will facilitate clearance using its U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) bond.
UPS provides customs brokerage services for all your shipments. Some additional charges may apply when complex brokerage services are involved. Additionally, the length of time your merchandise takes to clear customs may originate warehouse charges.
What happens if you don't have a customs broker?
You don't have to hire customs brokers. However, if you decide to submit all the documents independently, you are fully responsible for knowing the rules and regulations. You are also responsible for the accuracy of the information that you provide.
Do customs open packages us? Do customs open every package to verify information? No, customs officers will not open up your package or packages without good reason. Every package is put through a scanner machine, or an x-ray machine, to verify that the items you are shipping match your customs forms.
Customs will sometimes open packages to inspect the contents and ensure that they match what is listed in the declaration form.
Brokers submit necessary information and appropriate payments to CBP on behalf of their clients and charge them a fee for this service. In addition to facilitating inbound cargo in the U.S. on behalf of an importer, a customs broker is charged with advisory and compliance-related tasks.
The main difference between these two is on whose behalf they act. A customs broker acts on behalf of a client who has chosen broker's services, while a shipper's agent acts on the behalf of a shipowner or is hired by a cargo transporter.
The customs broker or customs clearance agent charges a custom clearance fee to cater to the expenses of preparing and filing customs documents. Fees are payable as one price for a bundle of services, as a flat per piece, or as a percentage of the shipment value.
Customs clearance is the act of moving goods through customs, so they can enter the country. How long does custom clearance take? Typically, a customs clearance takes less than 24 hours. If your paperwork is lacking, however, it could take several days before your shipment clears customs.
First Step of Customs Clearance: The Declaration
The customs declaration is the document on which the imported or exported goods are specified. Either the owner (a private person or a company) declares the goods or an authorized person, for example a logistics or customs service provider.
Each individual arriving into the United States must complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B. Explanations and a sample declaration form can be found on the Sample Customs Declaration Form.
As the largest customs broker in the world, DHL Global Forwarding has the network to facilitate the movement of goods no matter where you trade.
Who is the largest customs broker in the US?
Deringer is the largest privately-held US Customs broker and one of the top five entry filers in the US—filing over a million entries annually.
The salaries of Licensed Customs Brokers in The US range from $35,356 to $335,458, and the average is $77,562.
We may assess a service fee to obtain the release of your shipment from any regulatory agency or for special services you may request. We may charge a fee for standard customs clearance service in some countries/territories or in some FedEx subsidiaries.
Give your passport and customs form to the officer.
It's a very quick and easy process, but make sure you get both of your documents back before you leave. For international travelers, CBP may print out an I-94 form and staple it to your passport. Keep this form with you, as you will need it when you depart the U.S.
When completing the FedEx Express® or FedEx Ground® International shipping label, you can select the shipper, the recipient or a third party as the party responsible for payment of any duties and taxes. If no party is selected on the shipping label, the recipient will default as the responsible party.
