No matter whether yours is a huge importing business or a small startup, you need to ensure compliance with all importing regulations, rules, policies, and norms. You are also required to know everything about the classification of goods and tariffs, and before you can get your goods into Canada, you must pay necessary duties and taxes. Hiring a customs broker can help your business and commercial importing needs in multiple ways. Top-rated services, such as Clearit customs clearance, work with individuals and businesses regularly, and you can expect them to support your shipping needs like a true extended arm. In this post, we are sharing more about hiring customs brokers in Canada.
What’s the role of a customs broker?
Think of a customs broker as a lawyer who represents clients in court. Your customs broker will ensure that you have representation at the Canadian border. All brokers in Canada are licensed by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). A customs broker is trained to offer help to adhere to strict compliance requirements and guidelines. International trade agreements and import regulations change frequently, and a customs broker stays apprised with all of that so that clients don’t have to deal with these evolving norms.
Besides keeping a check on import regulations, your customs broker is also in charge of tariff classification and can make necessary payments (duties, taxes) on your behalf. They will take care of the requirements as set by the CBSA, and if needed, they can interact with transport companies for your company. Some brokers also specialize in customs consulting, while others may also extend support for warehousing and distribution.
How do you select a customs broker?
First and foremost, check if the customs broker is a member of the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB). A customs brokerage service that has been around for years will have a commendable clientele and should offer references on request. You can also rely on online reviews to compare your choices. Remember that customs brokers often have confidentiality agreements with clients, and therefore, they may not offer certain details.
If you are importing sensitive or regulated items, you need to be even more cautious about your moves. With a customs broker, you can rely on a team that knows the exact process. Mistakes can be expensive and time-consuming to fix – Get a broker to ease your work. You can focus better on your core operations.
