Customs Brokers

Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.

Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.

Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.

Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.

Request or compile necessary import documentation, such as customs invoices, certificates of origin, and cargo-control documents.

Classify goods according to tariff coding system.

Stay abreast of changes in import or export laws or regulations by reading current literature, attending meetings or conferences, or conferring with colleagues.

Sign documents on behalf of clients, using powers of attorney.

Advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters.

Post bonds for the products being imported or assist clients in obtaining bonds.

Quote duty and tax rates on goods to be imported, based on federal tariffs and excise taxes.

Arrange for transportation, warehousing, or product distribution of imported or exported products.

Monitor or trace the location of goods.

Confer with officials in various agencies to facilitate clearance of goods through customs and quarantine.

Inform importers and exporters of steps to reduce duties and taxes.

Obtain line releases for frequent shippers of low-risk commodities, high-volume entries, or multiple-container loads.

Provide advice on transportation options, types of carriers, or shipping routes.

Contract with freight forwarders for destination services.

Apply for tariff concessions or for duty drawbacks and other refunds.

Insure cargo against loss, damage, or pilferage.

Prepare papers for shippers to appeal duty charges.

Suggest best methods of packaging or labeling products.

Maintain relationships with customs brokers in other ports to expedite clearing of cargo.