What You May Not Realize About a Customs Clearance Service Provider

If you plan on importing or exporting any goods for your business, you would do well to hire a customs clearance service provider, or a customs broker. This type of company or individual can help you throughout the entire process of getting your items cleared through customs, making it easier on you overall. To ensure you make the best decision for items you're importing or exporting, note a few things you may not realize about a customs clearance service provider, and discuss these with such a service provider or broker as needed.

Yes, they can save you money

You will usually need to pay duties, taxes, and other such fees for the items you import and export, depending on their classification, value, and the like. A customs broker can't change these fees and taxes, but they can help you determine the best way to ship your items so you save money. For example, you may not face taxes or duties on items that are under a certain dollar value, so it may be good to break up your shipments, if possible, to lower their value. A customs broker can note if the cost of added shipping can be offset by this lower or eliminated duty and tax. If you're concerned over the cost of those taxes and other fees you'll face by importing or exporting your goods, discuss your concerns with a customs broker and note if their services can save you money.

Prohibited goods lists will change

Most countries have a list of goods that are prohibited, and this list can change over time; never assume that something that is allowed today will never be prohibited in the future, even if you assume there would be no reason to prohibit these goods. Countries may impose trade tariffs or limitations on items even if they're not hazardous, so you may be surprised when certain items get stopped at the border. A customs broker can immediately inform you about these changes, so that you don't waste time or money on prohibited shipments.

Customs brokers aren't shippers

A customs broker isn't a shipper and doesn't arrange freight for you. However, many such brokers work with freight forwarders, or companies that pick up freight at a border and take it to its final destination. A customs broker can also typically answer many questions you have about freight and transport in a foreign country, including placard or signage requirements for your goods, how certain items must be packaged or secured to a pallet, and the like.