International trade is lucrative. If you want to import goods into Canada for commercial reasons, you may want to hire a customs broker. For the uninitiated, all customs brokers in Canada are licensed by the Canada Border Services Agency. They can offer the expertise and assistance for clearing goods at the port of entry, so that you can focus on what needs your attention – Your business. In this post, we are discussing more on why importers and businesses engaged in international trade must work with Clearit.ca customs brokers.
The role of customs brokers
Importing is never easy. No matter the shipment, you have to adhere to compliance and regulatory requirements, and that can be complicated. To add to that, international trade laws are subject to change, and as import regulations change, you have to keep up with all that. The role of a customs broker may vary, depending on what they do for the concerned client. In general, customs brokers can help with –
- Preparing documentation for initial release of the shipment
- Submit documents to the Canada Border Services Agency electronically
- Calculate duties, taxes, and fees to be paid
- Coordinate with the Customs for clearance of goods
- Make transport arrangements when needed
- Handle other issues, if any, related to clearance
- Ensure that all compliance requirements are met
- Keep tabs on changing laws, rules, and regulations
Get advice on importing
Beyond the basics, customs brokers also work with clients as a consultant, offering insight on international trade and importing. For instance, if you are branching out into a new segment, or want to get regulated commodities into Canada, your customs broker can offer advice without bias. They can also guide on expansions and risks, and how you can actually minimize the costs of importing. It is like having an extended arm of experts to handle everything related to imports.
How to find the right customs broker?
Your best bet is to check for reviews. Most customs brokers have a website these days, and considerable chunk of their work is automated, or done online. A good service will offer free info and tools for importers, besides ensuring that clients have support around the clock. Check if the concerned customs broker handles all kinds of imports and shipments, coming via different channels.
As for the costs, hiring a customs broker in Canada doesn’t have to be expensive, considering what they do for your importing needs.
