When do i need a custom broker

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Carrier Claims. All-Risk Insurance Claims. Open main menu. Load Type. Less Than Truckload. Full Truckload. For these reasons, there is a relatively low number of licensed customs brokers in the United States—about 11, active—that you can procure services from. The already complex nature of international trade has recently been further exacerbated. Uncomplicated customs clearance is not a luxury easily enjoyed by importers stationed in a country involved in a trade war with China, the largest industrial nation in the world.

Free trade has largely been uninterrupted since the Reagan era, except perhaps during the global recession, so customs brokers are truly working within an unprecedented scenario here. To call the globalized market "complicated" would be a tragic understatement. The ineffable nexus that is international trade comprises the whole of shipping, importing, permits, licenses, logistics and so on Although there is no legal requirement to use a customs broker for your shipments, most businesses lack the know-how to consistently comply with regulatory statutes, which change often and are specific to each country involved in the long sequence of processes necessary for the production and distribution of a commodity.

In short, if you are not an industry professional, you should leave customs matters to the pros. A good customs broker collects and files information about shipments to gain approval for release at ports of entry. A great customs broker does that, and more, including strategic consultation regarding details of your supply chain. An experienced international freight forwarder such as CAF Worldwide can help you navigate the adverse ramifications of the ongoing trade war by changing the source of your goods to a nation that is not subject to heightened duties, for example.

When considering the current volatility of global trade, the importance of consulting with an informed, experienced international freight forwarder cannot be overstated. To find out more about how CAF Worldwide can help with your imported goods, contact us , today.

Topics: Logistics and supply chain management. This includes submitting necessary documents and transaction records, furnishing information related to shipment origin, destination, suppliers, classifications, routines, etc. Customs brokers usually collect all the necessary documents and put that information together for clearance. They provide a wide range of specialized services that help importers and businessmen reduce significant costs and explore new markets.

Nowadays, with the growth of internet connectivity, many customs brokers also offer dedicated services for e-customs clearance. International trade policies are quite strict and shipments might get delayed even if one document is missing. This issue can be solved with the help of customs brokers, who know the rules and regulations and can keep the mandatory documents in order.

There is a need for customs brokers if you are planning to expand your customer base and focus on your core tasks. They know exactly what is to be done and they will do it on time and yield a positive customer response. The importance of customs brokers lies in the fact that they not only ensure that your shipments face reduced delays and clearances issues, but also guarantee its compliance to the country-specific regulations.

Unnecessary taxes and penalties can also be easily avoided by taking the assistance of customs brokers. Customs brokers act as an extended team of your company, who can help you with all the necessary clearance procedures, in a cost-effective and efficient manner. In certain cases, both organizations, as well as customs brokers themselves, outsource back-office operations and customs brokerage support services for streamlined operations.