As far as clearing goods imported from anywhere in the globe at a border is concerned, it is essential to hire the services of a good customs broker who is aware of the rules and regulations of country you want to import things from and can get things done the right way safely, economically, and quickly. This will let you to concentrate on getting paid, selling the goods or both. Here are some guidelines that can help you hire the best customs broker services.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Guy to Represent You
The first thing that you need to understand before choosing one is that the agent acts as your legal representative for customs declarations and also declarations to other government organizations about imports. Such agents regard their acts to be yours and you hold the liability. So, there are several considerations that will influence your final decision.
Ensure That they’re Knowledgeable
One of the most important considerations that you should pay importance to when choosing a customs broker is the knowledge they possess. Select a service provider with adequate customs brokerage knowledge and they should also be well acquainted with the specific industries to which your goods belong. The employees should be familiar with the documentation work (especially financial paperwork), fees, guarantees and discounts.
Looks for a CSCB Member
Opt for a broker who is a member of their local community, the Canadian Society of Customs Broker (CSCB) and the National Customs Brokers association of America (NCBAA). Valuable trainings are executed by these organizations and by participating in such sessions brokers can improve their local and nationals customs positions.
Check his License
The broker should have the capability to give professional recommendations on the most efficient way to move the consignments. His advice should cover taxes, customs policies, classification, and valuation. Such guidance can help in saving your financial resources and shipping time. Further, the customs broker you opt for should be licensed to handle all the processes associated with these procedures. He should also give practical suggestions for improving the present methods, get prepared for customs audits and record maintenance.
Choose a Tech-Savvy Broker
In today’s world of technological advancements, it is important to ensure that the chosen agent is also online with customs for filling entries. Such online availability can make your consignment movement process quicker and more efficient. They should also be aware of the automation essential in swapping shipment details. Qualified customs brokerage services make use of exclusive in-house systems like Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), File Transfer Protocol (FTP) implementation and electronic billing to improve efficiency, minimize non-compliance threats, and control costs.
Ability to Offer You Additional Advisory
Besides the fundamental entry services, an efficient broker should also provide value added or subsidiary services like writing custom bonds, placing insurance for the cargo so that it is not left behind to the limited liability of different warehouses or/and carriers, organizing direct distribution and warehousing, and their own air and ocean transport services so that all your transport time and size needs are met. The best customs broker will have comprehensive and well-rounded service offerings.
By following the above guidelines, you should be able to choose a highly competent customs broker.
Author Bio
Ian Bayfield has been into the custom clearance field for past 6 years, and he realized that most of the people end up choosing the wrong customs broker to represent them, just because they’re in a hurry.
