The United States is ahead of many other nations when it comes to importing. There is no denying that foreign trade is lucrative, but it is also burdened with numerous rules, regulations, trade laws, and compliance requirements, which can make things hard for importers. In fact, even on paper, these compliance needs don’t seem easy. If you want to have a guide to importing to USA, you have to consider working with a customs broker. In this post, we are sharing more on things worth knowing about customs brokers.
What does a customs broker do?
The role of a customs broker is to ensure that their clients are in compliance with various requirements and trade laws, and all necessary paperwork that has been made mandatory by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are done accordingly. A customs broker could be an individual, partnership, or a corporation, but is licensed by the CBP. International trade laws change more often than expected, and the role of a customs broker is to ensure that the clients don’t have to deal with these changes, as they take over the need to ensure compliance. In case an audit comes up, or there are issues related to application of tariff codes and other aspects, they will deal with the US Customs and Border Protection on behalf of the client.
Why hire a customs broker?
For most importers, the biggest concern is paperwork. They also want to be sure that they are compliant with regulations, because they want goods to get cleared at the port of entry as early as possible, and there shouldn’t be any hassles in the regular course of operation. With customs brokers, everything from paperwork to basic procedures, are taken care of, although it doesn’t absolve the concerned importer of their liability as applicable. A customs broker doesn’t need to have an office at the port of entry, and they can handle all kinds of air, rail, and ocean shipments. If there are changes in regulations or international trade laws, the concerned broker will ensure that the client is informed, and all necessary steps are taken as required.
As you may have guessed, working with a customs broker has many benefits. However, there is no law that makes it mandatory to hire a customs broker for importing. This is a choice, and we recommend that you opt for the same to reduce your complications.
