Who is a customs broker?
This is a company that provides intermediary services. It is the transmission link between customs and the client. Represents the interests of the latter, providing a wide range of services.
The broker’s client can be a company, individual entrepreneur or organization. The terms of the transaction are specified in the contract.
The main task of a customs broker is to resolve all issues related to the legal preparation of documents, payment of customs duties and taxes, certification of cargo, checking the package of documents for correctness and completeness, informing customs officers about the specifics of goods.
Nuances of modern legislation
According to legal acts, a customs broker is a commercial company licensed for this type of activity. The exceptions are exchanges and merchant shipping facilities. Here the customs broker can be an individual.
Responsibility for violations
The activities of customs brokers are regulated by law, which allows customers to use their services without fear. For example, regulations strictly stipulate that all information and documents received in the process of providing services must be used only for the purposes of mutual business relations. If a customs broker discloses confidential information, he will be held liable in accordance with applicable law. The same applies to violations in the field of registration and licensing. If a customs broker is not registered in the State Register, he does not have the right to work in this area.
What should a customs broker be able to do?
A specialist in this profile has a wide range of responsibilities. Therefore, the list of what a broker should be able to do when working at customs is quite extensive.
First of all, a specialist in this profile must be knowledgeable in areas related to licensing and certification of goods, calculations of customs duties, and preparation of documents for goods passing across the border. In his work, the ability to quickly respond to emergency situations and find mutual understanding with government authorities is important. A customs broker must not only have legal knowledge, but also confidently maneuver through a variety of laws. After all, sometimes regulations change almost monthly.
What services does a customs broker provide?
The agent’s ordinary responsibilities include:
- Filing a customs declaration for the goods;
- Definition of codes;
- Calculation of customs duties;
- Presentation of goods to customs officers;
- Detailed description of the cargo;
- Control over the authenticity of information specified in client documents;
- Providing additional information about products (if necessary).
The standard package can be changed according to the customer’s wishes.
