Guide to Customs Brokers

A good import export custom broker can help you prevent delays in customs by making sure that all of your paperwork is 100% correct. In addition, if your shipments do get tied up somehow in the local customs house, a customs broker can use his or her contacts within the customs office to help expedite your shipment and get it back on its way. A quality export broker can also help guide you in how to save both you and your client customs fees whenever possible.

When looking into which customs house broker is best for your company, among the key points to consider are:

1. The ability of the custom broker to assist you with customs documentation.

2. The local connections offered by various export brokers.

3. The knowledge the licensed customs broker has in current law and regulations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Utilize one of the custom brokers with the ability to assist you with the myriad of customs document

There is no doubt that customs paperwork is tedious and confusing. There are so many codes to know and forms to fill out, it can seem like there's no way you'll get it right. But those experienced in customs brokering can help you get your documentation right the first time.

I recommend: Members of the International Federation of Customs Brokers Associations (IFCBA) are skilled in customs documentation and how your goods need to be classified to keep them moving smoothly.

Find a company with a network of US customs brokers to ensure you have help in a variety of ports

With transportation companies routing shipments through a variety of ports to save their own costs, it's important that the import export broker you choose has contacts through the country. This will ensure that your shipment will move smoothly, no matter through which port it moves.

I recommend: Nippon Express manages a network of licensed customs brokers in a variety of strategic ports, allowing for coverage of the majority of possible shipping alleys.

Ensure that your import broker is fully abreast on the latest regulations affecting your shipment

The rules for how shipments are allowed to move throughout international ports changes regularly, particularly in the post-9/11 world. Extra enforcement target different shipments based on various intelligence reports provided to customs officials. Good export brokers will know these highlighted areas and be able to advise you on how best to move your shipment quickly.

I recommend: Members of the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) are routinely briefed on changes in regulations through industry newsletters and news bulletins.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• When at all possible, consult with a customs broker early in your product development process. Often, a simple design change in the beginning that shifts the type of goods you use can save your company thousands of dollars in customs fees over time.

The official source of Customs Brokers is the Customs Brokers page at Business.com