Customs broking

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Customs Brokerage is a profession that involves the 'clearing' of goods through customs barriers for importers and exporters (usually businesses). This involves the preparation of documents and/or electronic submissions, the calculation (and usually the payment) on behalf of the client of taxes, duties and excises, and facilitating communication between the importer/exporter and governmental authorities. However custom brokers (sometimes known as customs agents) can also become involved in a multitude of complex customs & legal issues.

Customs brokers are predominantly employed by freight forwarders, but may be independent businesses or may be employed by shipping lines, importers, exporters, governments, trade authorities and customs broking firms.

In the United States, customs brokers are licensed and regulated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.