What are the duties of a customs broker?
A customs broker, by having the power of attorney of the person or organization responsible, is responsible for carrying out all legal and administrative procedures related to customs clearance within the scope of his authority. Below, we will examine the most important duties of the broker:
- Preparing and arranging customs documents, including invoices, bills of lading, certificates of origin, customs declarations, health permits, standards and other documents
- Advising importers and exporters on clearance rules, customs tariffs, prohibited goods, standard and health requirements, etc.
- Timely payment of customs duties and taxes related to imported or exported goods
- Following up on the status of goods after sending documents and paying fees
- Resolving customs problems and disputes, including issues related to tariffs, customs violations, document inconsistencies, etc.
- Coordinating the transportation of goods from customs to the final destination
In general, a customs broker helps traders to complete the goods clearance process without serious problems and in full compliance with legal regulations.
How is the cost of a customs broker calculated?
The costs of this broker usually depend on several different factors that affect the final cost calculation.
In general, customs broker costs are divided into two main parts, including fixed costs and variable costs, where fixed costs include the following:
Fixed costs
Broker’s fee: The customs broker usually receives an amount as a fee or commission for performing his services. This amount can be fixed or a percentage of the value of the goods. In many cases, this amount varies depending on the type of goods, the volume of trade, and the type of services provided.
Administrative costs: These costs include costs related to preparing and arranging documents, communicating with customs, and carrying out administrative processes.
The variable costs of customs brokerage
are as follows:
- Taxes and duties: Some costs are directly related to the type of goods and their value. The broker must pay customs duties, value-added tax (VAT), or other taxes related to import or export, which are calculated directly based on the value of the goods.
- Clearance costs: This cost is related to the costs of transportation, freight, warehousing, and costs associated with delivering the goods to customs, which may change depending on the circumstances.
- Percentage rate of the value of the goods: In some cases, customs brokerage fees are calculated as a percentage of the value of the goods. This percentage may be between 0.5% and 2% of the value of the goods, but can vary depending on the type of goods and the agreements with the broker.
- Additional service fees: If the broker requires additional services such as customs advice, special follow-ups, or conducting specialized assessments, additional fees for these services will be added to the final cost.
For an accurate estimate of costs, it is recommended that you consult with your customs broker and receive an accurate estimate of all costs before completing the clearance process.
Important points for choosing a customs broker
Choosing a suitable customs broker for customs clearance has a great impact on the speed and ease of the import and export process. This choice must be made carefully to avoid legal problems or customs delays. Here are some important points:
To choose a customs broker, it is necessary to consider things including the broker’s experience and technical knowledge, the price of the services provided, support and services after clearance, checking the records and experiences of others, etc. By considering these points, you can choose your desired customs broker more carefully and benefit from its services.
Conclusion
With their expertise and experience, customs brokers prevent customs problems, delays, and possible fines and help traders complete the goods clearance process quickly and accurately. In addition, customs brokers are responsible for preparing and arranging the required documents and following up on administrative procedures, and as consultants, they guide traders on laws and tariffs. Its costs also depend on various factors such as the type of goods, taxes, services required, etc. Therefore, choosing an experienced and reputable customs broker such as Saina Express Company will ensure that the goods clearance process is carried out with the least risk and cost, and possible legal and financial problems are also avoided.