Choosing the right customs broker in Canada: An overview

Importing goods into Canada isn’t the easiest process. Regulatory and compliance requirements must be adhered to, and you need to be sure about duties, taxes, and other applicable costs. Working with a customs broker can actually help your importing business in a big way. Names like Clearit customs brokers have been around for years, and these services work with both individual and commercial importers. With so many options, how do you choose a customs broker in the first place? Here are some things to know.

The basics

All customs brokers in Canada are licensed by the Canada Border Services Agency and are typically members of Canadian Society of Customs Brokers. It is worth mentioning that hiring a customs broker is not mandatory for importers in Canada. While you can always browse through the requirements and find answers for your questions, expertise has its own value. The role of a customs broker extends beyond just clearing goods at the port of entry. They can have a consulting role, where they can advise on things related to imports, risks, and international trade.

Ask the right questions

If you are working with customs brokers for the first time, it is wise to ask a few questions, such as –

Which industries do you typically work for? What are your areas of expertise?
How frequently do you deal in shipments that are similar to mine?
How do you usually minimize mistakes, errors, and costs?
What are your working hours? Do you work on weekends?
Are you a member of the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers?

Know your customs broker

Not all customs brokers have the same level of proficiency or expertise. You need to know what the service can do for your business in particular. Check if the customs broker has good reviews online, and if needed, you can ask for references too. Please note that many clients insist on having a confidentiality agreement, so you may have to rely on reviews posted online, as customs brokers may not be able to offer names. Also, check if the customs broker offers automated tools for calculations of duties and taxes. A lot of the work that involves clearing shipments are now done online, and you need a customs broker, who is advanced in that aspect.

Check online and call a customs broker today to know more. The response time of the service should tell a lot more about what to expect of them.